The World Happiness Report is a survey of 156 countries by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network in partnership with the Ernesto Illy Foundation. The report gives a worldwide ranking of countries on how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. It is based on multiple factors, which include healthy life expectancy, GDP per capita, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption. The report averages data from the last three years, and comments on various aspects of the survey. We bring you to the list of the ten happiest countries in the world.
Also see: Coldest Countries of the World
Happiest Countries In The World
Studies show that spontaneous travel makes one happier and if you decide to take a spontaneous international trip, you know where to go.
1. Finland
Finland is a Northern European Nation that has been rated as the happiest country in the world. It borders Sweden, Norway, and Russia, and is home to two million saunas, against a population of five point three million. Also, it is known for its national parks and ski, where visitors can go kayaking, on boat tours and island hopping. Among the various attractions are the Santa Claus Village, a Christmas themed town open round the year. If you think you want to be among the Finns on your next holiday, it is the best time to travel between May and July.
2. Denmark
This Scandinavian country is the second happiest. It comprises of the Jutland Peninsula, and other islands. Famous for its art and design, Denmark houses the Louisiana Museum of Art and Vikingeshibshallen museum, a museum showcasing 11th-century Viking Ships. Denmark is also the birthplace of Lego’s and is home to the Billund’s Legoland themed park.
3. Norway
Norway, the Scandinavian country with mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords, has been ranked the third happiest country in the world. It is famous for its green parks and museums, and also for providing excellent spots for fishing, hiking, kayaking wildlife-watching, and cycling. The Northern Lights are visible in the Arctic Tromsø and Kirkenes of the country. The country also has a constitutional monarchy.
4. Iceland
Ranked fourth happiest nation, this Nordic Island of a nation is known for its landscapes consisting of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Two of its largest glaciers are protected in national parks. The capital, Reykjavik, runs on geothermal power and is frequented by visitors for its National and Saga museums, which showcase Viking history. Not only this, the nation is famous for its late night bars and clubs and in some places, offers whale watching. Northern lights can be viewed during the winters.
5. The Netherlands
The Dutch are ranked the fifth in perceiving themselves to be happy, also known for their love of wadlopen or mudflat hiking. The Netherlands is located in Northwestern Europe and is known for a flat landscape with canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. The country houses the place where Jewish Diarist Anne Frank hid during the World War-II, and this place is called the Van Gogh Museum. Also portrayed in the Dutch galleries are the works of the seventeenth-century artists, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
6. Switzerland
The sixth happiest nation is a Central European country, famous for its mountainous landscapes consisting of lakes, villages and the Alps. For nature enthusiasts, Switzerland is a paradise as it has excellent hiking trails and ski slopes in various resorts. The country is also famous for its watches and chocolates. The capital Zurich is a global finance center and houses the Swiss National Museum. The west city of Geneva is a hub of diplomatic institutions and is a lovely place to visit with its lakeside and beautiful views of Mount Blanc.
7. Sweden
The Swedes are ranked the world’s seventh happiest nation. The homeland of Swedes, is Sweden, a Scandinavian nation, consisting of thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes. Not only islands, but Sweden is also known for its forests, glaciers, and mountains. The capital city of Stockholm is actually fourteen different islands, connected by fifty bridges, and also features a medieval old town, Gamla Stan. The port city of Gothenburg houses seals colonies. One can go fishing, hiking, sailing, and skiing in winters. The Northern Lapland is where the Northern Lights are visible.
8. New Zealand
This country in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean consists of two main islands and features in the top-10 happiest at the seventh place. Famous for its volcanoes and glaciation, it provides ethereal views to visits. Wellington, the capital city, houses the Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum and is a place from which Mt. Victoria can be viewed. Across Cook Strait, one can go skiing, bungee jumping, and Trekking. The city of Rotorua has hot springs and geysers for visitors to enjoy, along with Maori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia, which showcases the history and culture of the Maori tribe. Another city, Auckland, is famous for sailing and is called the “city of sails”. The national rugby team, all Black, dominate the world rugby.
9. Canada
This North American Country is famous for the Niagara falls, hot springs and much more. The lake filled Banff National Park in the rocky mountains is a go-to, as is hiking the Newfoundland’s coastline for spectacular views of the Iceberg Alley. In British Columbia, adventure enthusiasts can go skiing, mountain biking and holding. In the far north, there is an array of dogsledding expeditions, taking the traveler’s to see the Aurora Borealis.
10. Austria
The last on the list is a German-speaking country in the Central European country. It is known for mountain villages, baroque architecture, Imperial history, and Alpine terrain. Vienna is the capital city, banking on the Danube River, and is home to various palaces. This city boasts of being the hometown of Mozart, Strauss, and Freud. The elegant coffee houses in the country are a part of this nation’s culture. In the north is the Bohemian forest. And in the western Tyrol regiona re the ski resorts. If one goes east, they can view the hillside vineyards, that makes for a great visit. If you are visiting, don’t forget the Traunsee Lake.
This is the list of the ten happiest nations of the world, for anyone who needs a dose of happiness and finds joy in exploring the world. These countries make for great expeditions if you finding your next adventure.
