Finland took the top spot for the sixth year in a row in 2023, followed by Denmark and Iceland. But why are they so consistently happy? Some say it's because they are small, homogenous, and wealthy. Several years ago, a research paper even suggested it was because they are genetically bound to be happier.
The Nordic countries are characterized by a virtuous cycle in which various key institutional and cultural indicators of good society feed into each other including well-functioning democracy, generous and effective social welfare benefits, low levels of crime and corruption, and satisfied citizens who feel free and ...
The Nordics Are the Least Friendly and Passionate Countries in the World. In a ranking of 65 countries around the world for “Friendliness” and “Finding Friends”, the Nordics ranks at the very bottom of the list.
Contributing to Iceland's high level of happiness is its strong sense of community and social support system. The country has a strong welfare state, which provides citizens with access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
The report, which draws on global survey data from people in more than 150 countries, placed Finland in the top position for the sixth year in a row, with a happiness score significantly ahead of all other countries. Why do people in Nordic countries consistently rank as the happiest and what can we learn from them?
Here's Why. Finland has been the happiest country on Earth for the past six years, according to the World Happiness Survey.
Albanians are among the unhappiest in Europe. In the annual report of Happiness, published by the United Nations Organization, Albania has lost one position, being ranked 91 out of 146 countries in total. Among European countries, Albania leaves behind North Macedonia (92), Turkey (102) and Georgia (106).
Fijians, like these beautiful people in this beautiful photograph, ranked highest among the 65 nations polled the the annual “Happiness Barometer” conducted by WIN/Gallup International.
Studies are clear about one thing: throughout the world, Americans tend to smile the most! It's not that other countries don't have plenty to smile about, it's that people tend to smile as much as they are conditioned to through socialization and culture.
Some claim it is because of the harsh climate and the geography of Scandinavia. Add in the relatively small population (compared with the area of the Nordic countries) and you get the recipe for silence. People are used to silence, because of their nature and climate. Population density is among the lowest in Europe.
Scandinavians are uncomplicated in their dealings with one another. They are reserved, modest and unobtrusive and do not like to stand out from one another.
The Nordic countries are always winning when it comes to the happiness race. Finland took the top spot for the sixth year in a row in 2023, followed by Denmark and Iceland.
Sweden tops the Nordic countries at sixth place, tightly followed by Finland and Denmark on 9th and 10th spots.
Norway. Norway is known for its deep fjords, steep mountains, Northern Lights and incredible national parks, including beautiful fauna. Maybe Norway is the most rural and traditional of these countries.
Experts say natural selection, combined with a good animal protein diet, makes these Nordic locals taller than their counterparts elsewhere in the world. The Norwegians, like some of the other tallest people in the world have some great genetic backgrounds. Average height of Norwegians: 5 feet 7.97 inches.
Nations With Lower Happiness Index
At the very bottom of the list is Afghanistan at No. 137. Lebanon is one rank above at No. 136.
Afghanistan is the world's least happy country, with citizens having reported extremely low levels of life satisfaction. Since the Taliban takeover, life has become objectively worse for Afghans, particularly women. There is a lot of conflict in the region.
People become more satisfied with being single around age 40. There's a common misconception that older singles are the least happy with their relationship status. But actually, MacDonald's research suggests that starting around age 40, singletons become more satisfied with their solo lives.
Andorra might be the one that the fewest people can name. Vatican City, Monaco, Luxembourg, San Marino and Liechtenstein are smaller but, Andorra is hidden in the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France so many people don't ever come across it.
Liechtenstein. The Principality of Liechtenstein is the leader in the list of the least visited countries in Europe.
At the other end of the spectrum, social isolation is lowest in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, at around 8%. Frequent loneliness and social isolation are related but distinct concepts.
Having gained a PhD degree in molecular genetics, Matthieu Ricard changed his path from science to become a Buddhist monk, and was declared to be the “happiest person on the planet” after a 12-year study by the University of Wisconsin.
Life satisfaction did dip slightly in Western industrial countries, but it rose slightly everywhere else. If you compare 2017–2019 to 2020–2022, the report found, there wasn't much change. “Global happiness has remained [remarkably resilient] throughout the pandemic,” write John F. Helliwell and his coauthors.
Is it the relative lack of crime and corruption, or just plain Danish hygge? According to the World Happiness Report, happiness is closely linked to social equality and community spirit - and Denmark does well on both. Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare.