Where can You Find Happiness on the Globe?

Updated on August 16, 2022 19:28 PM by Ella Bina

Though happiness is difficult to measure, an initiative taken by the UN is trying so hard to figure it out. Since 2012, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network has released its World Happiness Report every year. It is a study that analyzed the relationship between happiness and development, motivating policymakers to focus more on the former.

The World Happiness Report for 2022 was published in the month of March. Almost 1000 people from every UN member state give a score to the quality of their life on a scale of 0 to 10. The researchers collect their data from six different areas: GDP per capita, social support, trust and corruption, life expectancy, generosity, and freedom to make life choices. Although the Report carried on with its previous trends, the list is a bit more interesting due to Covid-19. It was made sure that the report paid special attention to how various governments supported the happiness of their citizens before the world was hit by the pandemic, during, and probably after the pandemic.

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Below is the list of 10 happiest countries, or you can say ten places on the globe where you can find happiness. And who knows, maybe just reading about these countries will give you a dose of happiness.

New Zealand

New Zealand was one of those countries with one of the lowest Covid-related deaths while the pandemic was occurring, cementing its place in the top 10. Kiwis have always been popular for being a happy and friendly bunch which is because they are satisfied with their workplace and also in their social spheres. Having a leader who prioritizes mental and emotional growth as your Prime Minister of the country doesn't cause any sort of harm to anyone. Jacinda Ardern, in 2019, launched a Wellbeing Budget, which kept aside billions of dollars for initiatives such as improving mental health, aiding the Maori and Pasifika people, and decreasing the child population.

High endorphin travel advice – This one is simple, go and play outdoors. New Zealand is one of those countries that has plenty of natural beauty with so many outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes. Whether you spend your holidays hiking in Tongariro National Park, bungy jumping in Queenstown, or kayaking through Milford Sound, you'll feel better than when you came.

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Israel

Israel was ranked 12^th on last year's list; the country has finally reached the top 10 this year. How the country responded to the pandemic infused more government trust among its citizens because it was one of the first handful of nations to vaccinate a significant percentage of its population successfully. It is one of the healthiest countries in the world as well, with the least number of diet-related diets (Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.) in the whole world.

High endorphin travel advice – Travellers can relish the life-extending Mediterranean diet at hundreds of eating joints in the culinary capital of Israel that's none other than Tel Aviv. Author Gabrielle Robins suggests enjoying street food such as hummus at Abu Hassan, kebabs at Zalmaniko, and falafel at HaKosem.

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Norway

You'll not find much to complain about in Norway. The combination of a properly integrated government welfare program and a booming economy developed on responsible management of the country's natural resources (fossil-fuel powered clothes, good riddance) means only a sparse population is left behind, and faith in the government, feeling of social support and citizens' economic well being that stems from and gives an overall feeling of happiness.

High endorphin travel advice – It's a scientifically proven fact that just being in the proximity of water makes people happier. And guess what? Norway offers you ample options to be in an aquatic state of mind. The country has some of the most beautiful and deepest lakes in entire Europe, such as Lake Mjosa, situated around 60 miles north of Oslo. There is a bike path that envelopes the whole lake. So, enjoy a good ride before getting yourself into an aqua mood.

Also Read: Happiest Countries in the World 2022

Sweden

Sweden had the maximum number of Covid-related deaths out of all the Nordic countries. This might have been the reason behind a drop in its ranking from 6th to 7^th position this year. Despite that, it is still one of the happiest countries in the world. The major credit for this goes to a high GDP per capita. A focus on social equality, which is integrated into their education system starting from as early as kindergarten, paid family leave for 16 months that can be divided between the couple who just welcomed a baby in their family, and free daycare services also make it the best country for the women throughout the world. Helping people maintain a healthy work-life balance creates a happier population.

High endorphin travel advice – Lagom is Sweden's way of life, just like hygge is in Denmark. It isn't easy to literally translate it, but in most basic terms, it means balance and moderation. Swedish people follow lagom in everything from diet to wardrobe. However, the most tourist-friendly way to experience this unique and amazing lifestyle is to be a part of fika – a specific time of the day to slow down and also be in the present moment, generally enjoying a hot cup of coffee along with baked goods. Simply stop by any of Stockholm's outstanding cafes at about 11 a.m. to mix up with the locals in this everyday tradition.

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Luxembourg

Wait! Before you conclude that money is buying happiness in this country, hear this one out: Luxembourg has so many other perks to offer which have absolutely nothing to do with money. With just a population of less than 600,000, this relatively small country provides its citizens with good salaries and also a strong social support system to help them after retirement. This includes excellent healthcare facilities and exceptional work-life balance, most likely because of the five-week compulsory vacation.

High endorphin travel advice – Unable to choose between culture and nature? Get both of them (and a bit of exercise while you're at it) by climbing onto Chemin de la Corniche, a pedestrian promenade along with the 17^th-century stone walls of Luxembourg City. The street offers an incredible view of the historic center of the city and the Alzette River as well. Betty Weber, a Luxembourger writer, called it the 'Europe's most beautiful balcony.

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The Netherlands

What is the biggest stat from this country for this year? That there is hardly any change in the Netherlands' happiness levels from the year 2005 to 2021. And the Netherlands, it is revealed that happiness begins young. According to a UNICEF report released in 2013, Dutch children are the world's happiest children. The report was based on several health, safety, and educational well-being metrics.

High endorphin travel advice – As per the UNICEF report, 85 % of Dutch children have breakfast with their parents daily (a great sign of positive wellbeing). While you may have crossed your age of eating breakfast before school, you can still relish a classic Dutch breakfast when you are on a trip to the Netherlands – typically a bread slice topped with jam, hagelslag, or appelstroop sprinkles. Cravings began!

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Switzerland

Switzerland dropped one position this year! This is a country where its citizens vote for everything – from how many immigrants can enter the country to how many days for vacation needs should be designated to the workers; a referendum on the ground level takes place multiple times in a year. The direct form of democracy followed in Switzerland gives an unparalleled sense of being an important part of the evolution of their country. The Swiss are well-known for being insular, which can disappoint many first-time travelers. But, they have a strong social system with the help of a belief which says 'every voice matters.' This can take people a long way to feel satisfied.

High endorphin travel advice – According to research conducted by University College London, including small portions of dark chocolate in your daily diet can significantly lower depression symptoms. Which is the better place on this planet than Switzerland to shop for chocolates? Take a trip to Broc to visit the famous Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory and a shop, or get your hands on a 99% cocoa bar available in Zurich's Teuscher HQ.

Also Read: A list of the top 10 wealthiest children in the world in 2022 can be found here

Iceland

Iceland got a higher spot considering the proportion of respondents who felt they had a fellow citizen to depend on in their tough times. This became quite evident during the 2007 financial crisis and the consequent revitalization the country faced. You might think the tsunami of American tourists into Reykjavik could have lowered the happiness of the citizens – it is a little tougher to get that dinner reservation than it was earlier after all but talking about well-being, the Icelanders are still unfazed. Probably, it is because the citizens can always leave the city chaos behind them and escape to the countryside, which looks like another planet.

High endorphin travel advice – A small country like Iceland makes it simple and easy to socialize with your family and friends – a major contributor to overall happiness. Taste the closely knit culture of the country by connecting with an Icelandic family for home-cooked food. This is not at all difficult as you can do this through various tour companies.

Denmark

The country maintained its second position this year too. Denmark almost tops in every reported metric – generosity among them, social support, and life expectancy. The country is also very much committed to producing renewable energy; for instance, in 2014, 39.1% of its total energy production was from wind. The latest study by the Happiness Research Institute located in Copenhagen (the existence of this institute is reason enough to get a number two position) narrowed down the country's happiness into a couple of different categories, including faith in the government, freedom, economic security, work-life balance, and civic participation.

High endorphin travel advice – Keeping the socioeconomic causes aside, Denmark's happiness definitely comes partly from their respect towards their planet. Make a trip to Denmark in the summers and stay at some seaside inn to get a feeling that we and nature are not two separate entities. After cycling along the coast for a few days, enjoying homemade sourdough and fresh mussels, and viewing the Baltic Sea, you can't help yourself feel much more joyful.

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Finland

For five consecutive years, Finland has kept its crown as the happiest country in the world. The country continuously ranks among the best education systems globally, sometimes beaten by countries such as Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Most of that success stems from widespread respect for the teachers, who should have a Master's degree (the state funds their education). This pedagogical system pays less attention to quantitative learning and more learning by experiments and equal opportunities.

High endorphin travel advice – Winter swimming is an incredibly popular activity in the country; with citizens sharing, they get a massive gush of happiness when they are back on the dry land, and their system starts working again.