Ten Happiest Countries in the World – Ranking of the Happiest Countries in the World
Contents
Introduction
Happiness Index is a metric used to measure people’s feelings and experiences regarding their own survival and development conditions, essentially serving as an indicator of people’s sense of well-being. Although everyone has a different understanding of happiness, factors such as GDP per capita, social security, life expectancy, public trust in the government, government integrity, national education levels, and employment rates collectively constitute the overall happiness of a city or country. Below, we present a list of the ten countries with the highest happiness indices in the world, including Finland, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and others.
Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World
- Finland
- Australia
- Canada
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World – Selection Criteria
Rating factors include the level of GDP per capita, social security, healthiness of the population, life expectancy, social cohesion, national trust in the government, integrity of the government, national education level, employment rate, mental health of the population, stability of the family, ambient air quality, natural disasters, tourism resources, national honors, pace of life, work stress, and national security index.
Countries with the longest average life expectancy: Japan, Switzerland, Spain, France, Singapore, Australia, Italy, Canada, South Korea, Norway
Countries with the highest GDP per capita: Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Qatar, USA, Singapore, Denmark, Australia, Ireland.
Country with the lowest divorce rate in the world: Ireland
Countries with the least air pollution: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Sweden
Countries with the highest level of education: USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, China, Korea, Japan
Countries with the richest tourism resources: China, USA, Italy, Australia, France, Spain, Russia, Japan, Thailand
Safest countries: New Zealand, Australia, China, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Spain
Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World – An Overview
Finland
Finland is a highly developed capitalist country with an advanced industrial structure and liberal market economy. Its citizens enjoy an exceptionally high standard of living supported by transparent and efficient government services. Finnish society maintains strong interpersonal and institutional trust, with transparency and integrity ranking among the world’s highest levels, creating a safe and relaxed social environment.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” Finland boasts approximately 188,000 lakes within its breathtaking natural landscape. This pristine environment provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with nature, significantly contributing to both physical and mental wellbeing through accessible natural relaxation activities.
Australia
Australia stands as a highly developed capitalist nation celebrated for its unique biodiversity and multicultural immigrant society. With a highly urbanized population concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne, multiple Australian cities consistently rank among the world’s most livable locations, offering exceptional quality of life.
The country’s coastal regions feature expansive beaches and lush vegetation, highlighted by the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef system. Australia’s climate varies from average temperatures of 27°C in the north to 14°C in the south, creating diverse ecological zones supporting distinctive flora and fauna.
Canada
Canada leverages its abundant natural resources and technological advancement to rank among the world’s most prosperous nations. The country achieves top international rankings in education, government transparency, social freedom, quality of life, and economic liberty, establishing itself as a global leader in social development.
With forests covering 44% of its territory – the sixth-largest proportion worldwide – Canada maintains exceptional environmental preservation. This vast natural landscape complements its advanced infrastructure, creating an ideal balance between urban development and ecological conservation.
Iceland
Iceland represents a sophisticated capitalist society with comprehensive Nordic welfare provisions including health insurance and higher education. As NATO’s smallest member and only country without a standing army, Iceland relies on coast guard services for defense while maintaining strong international partnerships.
Gulf Stream influences create moderate climates despite its Arctic proximity, with summer temperatures ranging 7-12°C. Iceland’s numerous geothermal springs earn it the “Land of Fire and Ice” designation, while its robust social support networks consistently rank among the world’s strongest for community wellbeing.
Denmark
Denmark stands as a founding NATO member and EU participant with a thoroughly developed welfare system. The nation achieves minimal wealth disparity through sophisticated economic management, ensuring outstanding living standards across its population.
Atlantic winds create mild year-round climates with July temperatures averaging 15-17°C. Key attractions include Copenhagen, Hans Christian Andersen’s Odense birthplace, Legoland, and Jutland’s western coastline, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty.
Norway
Norway ranks among the world’s wealthiest nations and pioneered modern welfare state development. Its comprehensive social security system provides universal healthcare, pensions, and disability benefits through mandatory national insurance membership.
Beyond family child benefits and generous parental leave, over 90% of children attend free public schools with guaranteed further education access. The UN consistently recognized Norway as the world’s most livable country from 2001-2006, validating its social development model.
Netherlands
The Netherlands earns global recognition for dikes, windmills, tulips, and social tolerance alongside high-quality living standards. OECD reports highlight the country’s open society supporting free expression and human rights, with solidarity and inclusion as core values.
Strategic location provides businesses gateway access to Western European markets, while artistic legacy featuring Rembrandt and Van Gogh enhances cultural life. This unique combination of commercial advantage and artistic heritage creates distinctive living experiences.
Sweden
Sweden demonstrates strong economic performance with social liberal values emphasizing equality through extensive welfare systems. The country consistently tops the UN Human Development Index while hosting numerous international corporations providing employment opportunities.
Forests cover 54% of the territory alongside temperate coastal climates influenced by Atlantic currents. July temperatures range 14.2-17.2°C from north to south, supporting vibrant outdoor lifestyles within well-preserved natural environments.
Switzerland
Switzerland ranks among the world’s wealthiest and most stable nations with exceptional living standards. Its “World Park” reputation reflects abundant tourism resources, while consistent top-tier GDP per capita demonstrates economic resilience.
Long-term policy stability combined with secure financial systems and banking privacy establish Switzerland as a safe haven for investors. This economic strength supports sophisticated infrastructure and social services throughout the country.
New Zealand
New Zealand balances natural beauty with advanced development, achieving top global happiness rankings through work-life balance and social welfare systems. Political stability and economic freedom complement comprehensive social security frameworks.
Pristine environments with clean air and water quality create ideal living conditions, while the UN recognized New Zealand as the world’s least corrupt country in 2018. These factors combine to establish exceptional lifestyle quality within spectacular natural settings.