Although happiness is subjective, United Nations seems committed to discovering what makes people happy and which country people are most satisfied in the world. Yes, you’ve guessed it right. We are talking about the happiest countries in the world!
In 2012, the United Nations unveiled its first list of the world’s happiest countries. This initiative aimed to assess the quality of life in these top-ranking nations, providing a blueprint for others to follow and implement similar policies.
Since then, the organization has continued to release an annual report, which serves as a tool to evaluate the overall happiness levels and quality of life experienced by individuals across different countries.
How Does The Analysis Work?
The World Happiness Report, an annual publication by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, has played a significant role in popularizing the measurement of happiness at a national level.
This report considers various factors to rank countries in terms of happiness, including GDP per capita, social support systems, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The organization relies on thousands of surveys and data analyses considering objective and subjective indicators to determine the rankings.
Objective indicators encompass economic factors such as per capita income, employment rates, and poverty level, while subjective indicators encompass life satisfaction, happiness, social connections, and positive emotions. All the surveys are carried out by the popular polling company Gallup Inc.
What Does World Happiness Report 2024 Say?
On March 20th, also celebrated as World Happiness Day, the World Happiness Report for this year was released.
Despite the challenges faced in 2022, including natural disasters, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the report indicated that the human desire for happiness had shown remarkable resilience. Surprisingly, the happiness index suggests that the average global satisfaction was on par with pre-Covid years.
Based on a survey conducted across more than 150 countries, Finland once again claimed the top spot as the happiest country in the world, making a sixth consecutive appearance at the pinnacle of the list. But what were the others on the list? Let’s find out.
Top 10 Happiest Countries In The World:
Apart from the six factors mentioned above, when measuring people’s well-being, the most commonly asked question is: “Overall, how satisfied are you with your life these days?” Individuals are asked to rate their satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 indicating complete dissatisfaction and 10 representing complete satisfaction. Let’s find out the happiest countries in the world.
10. New Zealand:
- Population – 4,822,233
- Average Annual Income – $50,722
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.123
New Zealand’s happiness stems from the combination of several key factors. Firstly, the country’s stunning natural beauty, encompassing picturesque landscapes and diverse ecosystems, creates a sense of awe and appreciation among its residents.
Furthermore, there is a visible emphasis on environmental sustainability, valuing the preservation of its unique biodiversity, allowing individuals to align their values with the country’s efforts, and contributing to a sense of purpose and well-being.
Additionally, the country respects personal freedom and individual rights, fostering a sense of autonomy and allowing individuals to make choices aligned with their values and live authentic lives. Of course, people have a high level of trust in their government and institutions, which also regularly complements them with betterment schemes and programs.
9. Luxembourg:
- Population – 625,978
- Average Annual Income – $78,310
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.228
The secret behind the happiness of Luxemburg, a tiny European country, is a potent combination of economic strength, excellent infrastructure, and an enviable standard of living. Its citizens enjoy the benefits of top-notch healthcare, education, and social security systems, guaranteeing their essential needs are well taken care of.
However, the true key to Luxembourg’s happiness lies in its significantly higher average income. This elevated economic status translates into improved living conditions, increased disposable income, and heightened financial security.
While it is often said that money cannot buy happiness, Luxembourg defies this notion with its remarkable average household income of $78,310, surpassing many countries worldwide.
This financial advantage plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of Luxembourg’s residents, empowering them to relish a superior quality of life and experience heightened satisfaction.
8. Switzerland:
- Population – 8,654,622
- Average Annual Income – $72,993
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.240
Switzerland, known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and meticulous culture, stands out in various aspects that make Swiss the Happiest people in the world. With exceptional healthcare, education, and public services, the Swiss enjoy remarkable well-being and security, supported by the second-highest average income worldwide.
The nation’s dedication to education and healthcare manifests in the high living standards of its inhabitants, who benefit from Europe’s finest educational institutions and medical facilities. Boasting an average life expectancy of 84.25 years, Swiss citizens relish extended and healthier lives compared to their global counterparts.
The country is full of natural beauty, and it emphasizes environmental quality to protect it. This significant focus greatly contributes to the happiness of its residents, as they revel in clean air, stunning surroundings, and ample opportunities for outdoor activities that foster a deep connection with nature.
7. Norway:
- Population – 5,421,241
- Average Annual Income – $53,756
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.315
Norway, a Nordic nation that consistently ranks among the top 10 happiest countries worldwide, stands out for its serene and harmonious social environment, which promotes pro-social behavior both at an individual and institutional level. This positive and virtuous conduct towards one another creates an ideal atmosphere for happiness to thrive.
Significant efforts have been made in Norway to enhance the social welfare system, promote social equality, and minimize corruption levels. These endeavours have contributed to the overall well-being and contentment of its population.
The interesting Norwegian concept of friluftsliv emphasizes the value of spending time in nature, promoting a deep appreciation for the outdoors. It enables Norwegians to establish a profound connection with their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of tranquillity and fulfilment that makes them the happiest people in the world.
6. Sweden:
- Population – 10,099,265
- Average Annual Income – $50,407
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.395
Despite being the most populous and having a lower ranking among the Nordic countries, Sweden remains one of the most developed and happiest nations worldwide. While the initial handling of the COVID-19 community spread impacted its ranking, the overall response of the Swedish government was far better than that of many other countries, as highlighted in the World Happiness Report 2024.
The survey reveals that the country’s balanced work-life culture and robust social welfare schemes provided by the government contribute to its appeal. Moreover, Sweden greatly emphasises gender equality, which is vital to the nation’s growth and societal cohesion.
The cherry on top is the high level of personal freedom and strong social support networks, accompanied by a well-established educational and healthcare system. Unsurprisingly, Sweden has consistently emerged as one of the most desirable places to live over the past decade.
5. Netherlands:
- Population – 17,134,872
- Average Annual Income – $63,225
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.403
The Netherlands, a popular Dutch country, is known for its liberal and forward-thinking approach. According to the happiness report, the country has demonstrated remarkable success in revenue generation, service provision, repression prevention, and more.
These indicators of state effectiveness have shown a strong correlation with the life satisfaction levels of the Dutch population. The government of the Netherlands is fully dedicated to providing services, ensuring stability, and fostering the overall welfare of its citizens.
This unwavering commitment has significantly influenced the satisfaction and well-being of the people. Unsurprisingly, the Netherlands boasts a life satisfaction rate that is nearly 2 points higher compared to many weaker countries.
4. Israel:
- Population – 8,655,535
- Average Annual Income – $44,156
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.473
Israel, previously in the 9th spot, took a giant leap in terms of life satisfaction and well-being of the citizens. The country responded well to the pandemic, which impacted its overall progress compared to others, earning a remarkable 4th spot in the World happiness ranking.
Over the past three years, Israel has consistently outperformed numerous nations, attributing its success to accessible healthcare services, strong social bonds, and a high level of contentment among its residents.
This achievement further underscores Israel’s commitment to fostering well-being and enhancing the overall happiness of its population.
3. Iceland:
- Population – 341,243
- Average Annual Income – $79,473
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.530
Continuing to the top 3, Iceland, despite being the smallest in terms of population, stands out with its substantial average annual income of nearly $80k, which undoubtedly contributes to the happiness of its people. But what else puts Iceland among the happiest countries in the world?
The country’s natural beauty, pristine environment, and tight-knit communities play a crucial role in enhancing the life satisfaction of its residents.
Like other Nordic nations, Iceland’s government prioritizes equality and the equitable distribution of resources and programs, fostering the growth of the entire country rather than just a specific segment.
2. Denmark:
- Population – 5,792,202
- Average Annual Income – $64,127
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.586
As anticipated, Denmark, a Nordic country, maintains its second position in the World Happiness Report rankings from the previous year. Danish citizens benefit from a strong social safety net, high trust in society and government, and a highly-functioning welfare system.
Despite paying some of the highest tax rates globally (up to 25%), Danish individuals enjoy financial stability and improved quality of life. This is possible through the government’s effective strategies, including a robust education system, comprehensive employment programs, and well-established public services.
Notably, Denmark offers free healthcare services, fully subsidized childcare, and tuition-free education, with universities providing financial support to students. No wonder many polling agencies have regarded Denmark as one of the happiest and safest countries in the world.
1. Finland:
- Population – 5,540,720
- Average Annual Income – $51,836
- Average Life Evaluation – 7.804
Securing the top position for the sixth consecutive year, Finland has once again been recognized as the happiest country in the world. But what makes it the best?
The reasons behind its success extend beyond government efforts and policies. The Finnish people play a crucial role in cultivating a sense of happiness within their society.
Renowned Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher, Frank Martela, asserts that the key to Finnish happiness lies in their ability to value and appreciate the small things in life and their tendency to focus on personal fulfilment rather than comparisons with others.
Furthermore, the Finnish people appreciate nature and actively maintain a strong sense of community trust. While the government’s education initiatives have contributed to creating a harmonious society, it is important to acknowledge the active participation and positive attitudes of the people in fostering happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
With the 25th spot in the World happiness report, Singapore is the happiest country in Asia.
For the sixth year in a row, Finland has become the happiest country in the world.
According to the World Happiness Index 2024, Afghanistan and Lebanon are the two unhappiest countries, with Afghanistan occupying the last spot on the list.
Final Word:
As we conclude our analysis of the happiest countries in the world, one thing is sure. Finland’s success is a powerful inspiration for nations across the globe, urging them to shift their focus towards comprehensive metrics of happiness and recognize the immense value of life’s seemingly minor yet profoundly meaningful elements.
I am an engineer by education, tech writer by profession, and a motor sport fan by heart.
