Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World

Looking for a travel destination with great views and friendly people? 

Every year the United Nations measures the quality of life for citizens around the world through surveys and data analysis. The same 13 countries have dominated the top of the list since the reporting began in 2012. What makes these countries the happiest in the world? All possess a winning formula of good governance, strong sense of community, respect for fellow citizens, and general high quality of life.

 

Video 1.  The Royal Copenhagen Christmas Tables - Hygge Danish tradition (YouTube link)

Try following a cue from the 2016 World Happiness Report:^[2]

1. Denmark
• Denmark offers an abundance of free public services, such as health care and education, and it prides itself on its strong sense of social life and community. 
• You can try visiting the "Royal Copenhagen Christmas Tables" exhibition to learn more about hygge, or a cultural identification loosely defined as feeling cozy in the company of friends and family over a meal.
2. Switzerland
• Switzerland is known for being a prosperous nation with magnificent ski slopes and rich chocolate. 
• Switzerland’s thriving outdoor spaces also afford a healthy lifestyle for its citizens: The country boasts the lowest obesity rates in Europe. 
• Discover some of the wild spaces in Switzerland by canyoning, kayaking, or paragliding in Interlaken to explore the vast mountainous landscape.
3. Iceland
• Once in the country, travelers find indoor market halls and outdoor swimming pools in the capital city, as well as many easily accessible national parks. 
• If you have time, take a drive along Ring Road to see the island's volcanoes, beaches, and other outdoor landmarks.
• The Blue Lagoon is only one option to take a dip in Iceland's healing geothermal waters.
4. Norway
• Norway is rated one of the best countries in the world for its gorgeous landscape, take advantage of the outdoor spaces. 
• You can pitch your tent anywhere you’d like while hiking through Norway’s magnificent fjords. 
• In the summer months, try climbing Mount Skala, one of the tallest mountains in the country, for an exhilarating view of local mountains and glaciers. (Take a look at these other top 10 summer experiences in Norway.)
5. Finland
• Steam your worries away in a traditional Finnish sauna, a revered custom throughout the nation. Despite a population of only 5.2 million people, there are some 3.3 million saunas found throughout the country. 
• You can find them along the side of lake houses, office buildings, and even Parliament. (Related: Finland’s Sauna Obsession)
6. Canada
• There’s plenty to explore in this spacious and culturally diverse country. 
• In parts of the northwest along the old Trans-Canada Highway, visitors can learn the art of mushing during winter’s dogsledding season. 
• If you prefer two feet on the ground, hike the slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park or Canada’s many national parks.
7. Netherlands
• Citizens living in the Netherlands report the highest rates of physical activity in the world.
• The country takes pride in its 20,000 miles of bicycle lanes for safe travel, and the capital city of Amsterdam is considered to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. 
• Rent a bicycle to try the country’s preferred method of transportation and get some fun exercise during a trip. 
• Either map out a bicycle trip around Amsterdam independently or hire a local guide to show you around the city.
8. New Zealand
• From the Blue Mountains to the wild penguins on South Island, there are many beautiful sights to lift locals’ spirits in this thriving ecological paradise. 
• New Zealanders take pride in their local ecology and work hard to protect it. Don't miss the chance to visit the volcano, ancient Maori sites, and craters at Tongariro and Whanaguni National Parks.
9. Australia
• Australia has very low levels of pollution, high levels of civic engagement, and tight-knit locals. 
• The popular Australian barbecue brings everyone together; most national parks, outdoor spaces, and other places where people gather offer free or coin-operated grills. 
10. Sweden
• To experience what makes this country happy, simply visit a coffee shop: Sweden is one of the three biggest coffee consumers in the world. 
• A sense of community is strengthened through the tradition known as fika, loosely translated into "break time," when locals meet over coffee to catch up, discuss news, and eat pastries. 
• Try taking a fika at historic Vete-Katten in Stockholm, a local sipping spot founded in 1928.

References

1. Press freedom ranking 2021
2. Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World (published 08/12/2016)
3. World's happiest countries 2021 (CNN Travel)
• 1. Finland 2. Iceland 3. Denmark 4. Switzerland 5. Netherlands 6. Sweden 7. Germany 8. Norway 9. New Zealand 10. Austria 11. Israel 12. Australia 13. Ireland 14. United States 15. Canada 16. Czech Republic 17. Belgium 18. United Kingdom 19. China 20. France
  
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