HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD
Making a rating of the happiest countries is much harder than, say, the richest countries in the world. In the latter case, the level of GDP per capita is used as the main criterion, and today the list of the richest countries includes regions with extensive oil and gas reserves – Qatar, Brunei, Kuwait, UAE. Nevertheless, the level of happiness of ordinary residents does not always correspond to the national wealth.
To determine the happiest countries in the world, research agencies and international organizations conduct opinion polls and analyze various indicators, including average income, civil liberties, life expectancy, social protection, levels of corruption and crime, access to medicine, trust in government and some others. In recent years, the list of the 10 happiest states has not changed much.
The highest position is invariably occupied by Scandinavia, the representatives of which are also included in the list of the richest countries in Europe. That is, Finns, Norwegians, Danes, Icelanders and Swedes are mostly satisfied with their living conditions. Based on the official report of the UN – World Happiness Report, which collected data from 143 countries of the planet, let us distinguish the happiest countries in the world in 2024.
Important. In addition to the usual criteria, the latest World Happiness Report analyzed people's emotional reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, how governments deal with it, and how trust in the government itself is related to levels of happiness.
| № | COUNTRY |
| 1. | Finland |
| 2. | Denmark |
| 3. | Iceland |
| 4. | Sweden |
| 5. | Israel |
| 6. | Netherlands |
| 7. | Norway |
| 8. | Luxembourg |
| 9. | Switzerland |
| 10. | New Zealand |
TOP 10 HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD
1. FINLAND
The happiest country in the world in 2024 is Finland (for the sixth year in a row). Despite the specific weather conditions, there are comfortable living conditions for locals as well as many immigrants. Thousands of foreigners from different parts of the world want to find a job in Finland, open their own business or obtain a degree in Finnish universities. The country has a strong economy, low crime rate, beautiful nature and compassionate citizens leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
2.DENMARK
The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is consistently ranked among the best cities to live in the world. In general, the state provides the population with high level of income, quality health care, prestigious education and comfortable working conditions. The average pre-tax salary in Denmark exceeds 5 thousand euros a month, which is one of the highest in Europe. Numerous surveys show that Danes are very happy people.
3.ICELAND
According to many reputable publications, Iceland is considered the safest country in the world. Undoubtedly, this indicator increases the happiness of local residents. Cohesion and pride of Icelanders has shown even the European Football Championship in France, when the fans of this country after defeating England demonstrated an incredible storm of emotion and joy. Iceland is a small but very prosperous European country.
4.SWEDEN
The list of Scandinavian countries with the happiest population includes Sweden. The country offers a high quality of life and an excellent social security system that is known throughout the world. Health care and education are also at the highest level. Sweden is home to an abundance of forests and has access to the cleanest drinking water in the country. Working in Stockholm provides a net income of more than 3,000 euros a month on average.
5. ISRAEL
Fifth place in the ranking of the happiest countries in the world is Israel. Thanks largely to its beautiful cities – Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. By the way, the latter is one of the top 10 happiest cities on the planet. According to many respected publications, Tel Aviv is a very comfortable place to live. Immigration to Israel will allow you to live in a country with a developed economy, excellent infrastructure, friendly and happy residents.
6.THE NETHERLANDS
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is on the list of the happiest countries in the world largely because of its large economy, liberal laws and high standard of living. For example, the official minimum wage in Holland alone is €2,069.96 per month in 2024. For most Dutch people, daily cycling is not only an opportunity to improve health and protect the environment, but also an effective way to feel a little happier.
7. NORWAY
Norway was the happiest country in the world in 2017. Today, this northern state ranks eighth, but Norwegians are absolutely not worried about it, as they live in one of the most beautiful places in Europe with numerous mountains, waterfalls, green hills and fjords. Huge natural resources, high wages, a solid social security system, and rapid economic development ensure that Norwegian citizens have a happy life.
8. LUXEMBOURG
The eighth position in the ranking of the happiest countries in the world is occupied by Luxembourg, which in 2022 displaced last year's member of the top 10 – Germany. It is the richest country in the European Union (in terms of GDP per capita) with the highest standard of living. Only the minimum wage here is 2,570.93 euros per month. A very beautiful place with many ancient castles and lush green forests, thanks to which Luxembourg is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world.
9.SWITZERLAND
The average life expectancy in Switzerland is 83 years. The country has a strong economy and stunning nature, perfect infrastructure and clean air. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, but maintains active trade relations with all members of the association. Swiss universities offer quality education and produce well-trained professionals. Polite, responsible and happy people live in Switzerland.
10.AUSTRALIA
The tenth position in the rating of the happiest countries in the world is occupied by Australia. The average life expectancy of Australians is 82 years. This continent has a unique diversity of flora and fauna, rich natural resources and a comfortable climate. Immigration to Australia will allow you to live in a safe country with a developed economy, wonderful cuisine, excellent infrastructure, friendly and happy residents.
In conclusion, we should note that the last places in the ranking of happy countries belong to the poorest states of the world, located mainly in Asia and on the African continent, in particular Sierra Leone, Lebanon and Afghanistan. The U.S. is in 23th place, the UAE is 22th, and China is 60th.
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