The happiest countries in the world

Low levels of crime and corruption, an abundance of natural beauty, good urban design with many green spaces, an emphasis on community and co-operation, a sense of fairness, an efficient progressive taxation system, universal health care, excellent state funded education, a low level of inequality with few people living in poverty and a high level of trust in the government all contribute to Finland's position as the world's happiest country.

Finland appears to be not doing so well on studies to do with racism.

euobserver.com/justice/143518

I found Switzerland very boring. Sorry to any natives on here. Couldn't wait to leave.

I cannot understand how Finland can be the happiest country in the world, they live in fear of a Russian invasion.

Apparently we (uk) are no.17. Given we are supposed to be the 5 th wealthiest that’s quite low on the list. . Maybe unlike Finland, it’s the higher level of inequality in the country with increased poverty and the low level of trust in our government.

Does everyone know that Swiss women were only given the vote in the late 60 s.

Maybe the UK is far down the list because we seem to moan a lot.

JUst checked and it was the 70 s. There was a referendum in 1971 when 65% of the men voted in favour of women getting the vote and standing fir election.

Hopikins

I cannot understand how Finland can be the happiest country in the world, they live in fear of a Russian invasion.

Finland has learned to get on with its neighbour and stay neutral same with Sweden, both are in the EU, neither are NATO members despite having an open invitation.

It also has a high standard of living, a good welfare system and the most female dominated government in the world.

Interesting that the first 10 happiest countries are nearly all cold to moderate climates.

I remember hearing the Psychologist, Oliver James speak about happiness and his findings were that there was a correlation between the pursuit of money, consumer goods and discontent and that was most prevalent in English speaking countries. Cultures that lived a simpler life, assuming they had the necessities, tended to be happier.

I'm always surprised when I read these lists and generally Scandinavian countries come out top, I've only been to Denmark which I liked a lot but certainly not as much as parts of southern Europe, possibly that's a personal thing for me because I have family that hail from around the Mediterranean. Maybe I've tuned into too much Scandi Noir in the past few years and should ignore the subliminal gloom that seems to be hanging in the air they are mere dramas after all. Talking of Scandi Noir and thinking of The Bridge in particular, got talking to some Danes in Copenhagen and they did warn us off crossing over to Malmo in their words "crime ridden" but possibly they were expressing a Danish bias who knows, urban areas all over the world I guess have such problems even Scandinavia.

Although I live in England the country I originate from is now in the top 10. It has been going up and up over the years due to a stable economy and an excellent health system and strong family values. Identification with a country is important and leads to happiness even when under duress.

Finland sounds very good from what you say.

Our son has just relocated to Oslo, he is under 30,single and loves the outdoors and is very happy ( so far ?)
We are looking forward to visiting but not the costs?.

Scandinavian countries have more equality, better public services and working conditions, so higher % people report happiness.

Generally the smaller gap between the wealthiest and everyone else the happier the population

Interesting isn’t it? Just goes to show GDP ain’t everything.
I’m sure you’re right Whitewave. Also less crime and mental health problems for example.

Yet in number 9 Israel there is huge inequality because female employment rates are low. Cultural and religious factors keep women at home.

that surprises me about israel, because women have to serve in the army as well as men, don't they, and apart from some extreme religious groups, so i imagined they'd carry on in that vein, anything you can do...
being powerful and far from shrinking violets hiding at home. ?

We come in at number 12 which I would think is about right. The Kiwis are number 10, always think of the people there as happy though I actually wouldn’t want to live there, a bit boring. I wonder about places like the Cook Islands, they smile constantly and always seem happy as do the people from Vanuatu - they look far more cheerful than the Scandis. even though they are poor.

They may not be so happy if Russia continues to encroach into Europe. Finland borders Russia I believe.

I would have thought New Zealand and anywhere Scandi.

Whitewavemark2- you are spot on. In Norway, the amount of tax you pay is a matter of public record. Norwegians think that, in their country, it is good for everyone if no one is very poor, or very rich.

varian

With the world in a state of upheaval, we could use some happy news. The United Nations has released its 10th annual World Happiness Report—just days ahead of the annual International Day of Happiness on March 20. For the fifth year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, with Denmark coming in second, followed by Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2022/03/18/ranked-the-20-happiest-countries-in-the-world-in-2022/

in Denmark is is socially VERY unnacceptable to say that you are not happy with your life or the way things are so any survey is going to be massively skewed. I knwo expats who live there and like the country but they all have noticed and commented on the got to say you are happy thing.

Farzanah

Interesting isn’t it? Just goes to show GDP ain’t everything.
I’m sure you’re right Whitewave. Also less crime and mental health problems for example.

it may not mean that there are less MH issues, just that they are not acknowledged or recorded in the same way.