Franklin D Roosevelt once said, “Life is the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” There’s no clear definition for happiness. It has different meanings for different people. Happiness is more than the joy of achieving material things or temporary achievements. You can be the richest person in the world but still can’t be happy. Happiness comes from small things like feeding a stray animal, enjoying a cup of tea with your friends, or sharing your joy with your family members. Happiness Index is a term used to measure the overall happiness of a country. The exercise is carried out by the UN body on a yearly basis.
Under the criteria set by the UN, quality of life is a major aspect of measuring the happiness index. Data for six areas is collected to measure the happiness index. GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, trust, and corruption are these six criteria that are measured to prepare the happiness index. Like every year, the UN released the happiness index report titled World Happiness Report 2021. We have prepared a list of the happiest places on the planet. The list has been prepared after going through all the criteria.
8. Luxembourg:
With a population of just over 6 lakh, Luxembourg is a small European country landlocked between Belgium, France, and Germany, which is known for its scenic landscapes, traditional castles, and adventurous hiking trails. The country’s small population makes its resources available to all. The country is known for its world-class healthcare system and amazing work-life balance that includes a mandatory 5-week vacation time.
7. Sweden:
Sweden is the seventh happiest place in the world. The Nordic country makes it to the list with the help of its high GDP per capita. Social equality, world-class education, and good work-life balance are integral to Sweden’s social structure. Married couples also get 16 months of paid family leave after the birth of a baby. The leave can be split between the couple. All this in addition to free daycare. It is one of the safest countries for women. The public transportation services and road connectivity are simply the best in the country.
6. Norway:
Norway was once one of the happiest countries on the list. It has been dropping in the ranking since 2017 but is still one of the 10 happiest places in the world. Great governance, welfare system, public-centric schemes, and a rapidly growing economy are some of the factors that contribute to Norway’s thriving happiness index. The country has an abundance of natural resources, and it has constantly been working to reduce its carbon emission. All these factors have helped Norway become the sixth happiest place in the world.
Also Read, How To Be Happy When You Are Alone
5. Netherlands:
Next on the list in the Netherlands. A country with happy children contributes to a happier population. The Netherlands has its priorities right as its children-centric policies are the best in the world. According to UNICEF, the Netherlands children are happiest in the world. Every aspect of a child’s growth, starting from education to health, is taken care of. The country has made significant growth over the years in framing public-centric policies. The happiness index levels of the country have barely changed.
4. Iceland:
Iceland is literally a paradise on earth. It is a dream destination for every traveler. The Nordic island nation is known for its dramatic landscapes, hot springs, volcanoes, and natural geysers. Despite a near financial collapse in 2007, the country managed to stand on its feet once again. The socio-economic structure in the country is one of the best in the world. Moreover, Icelanders have a lot of places to visit in their own country that help them in beating the stress. Iceland is the 4th happiest place in the world.
3. Switzerland:
Who wouldn’t want to visit Switzerland? The marvelous country is famous for its gigantic mountains, breathtaking sceneries, the mighty Swiss Alps, and mouth-watering cuisine. The citizens in Switzerland have a say over literally everything. They even get to vote for deciding how many days of vacation workers should have. Switzerland is one of the most flexible democracies in the world. There is a great sense of equality in the society, and the country’s thriving GDP adds to their happiness.
2. Denmark:
From life expectancy to social structure and from generosity to per capita GDP, Denmark nearly tops the chart in every aspect. The country has been shifting from nonrenewable sources of energy to renewable sources, and it has helped the country in cutting down the pollution levels significantly. The country gets over 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources. The population of the public in the democracy, social security, financial freedom, and work-life balance are some of the aspects that Denmark has done remarkably well in. All these factors make Denmark the second happiest place in the world.
1.Finland:
As per the UN Happiness Index, Finland is the happiest country in the world. The education system in Finland is one of the best in the world, right from the elementary level to the senior level. Good education translates into an impressive employment rate, and this explains the top class per capita GDP of the country. The education system of the country focuses less on quantitative testing and more on experiential learning. The work-life balance in Finland is also one of the best in the world.
