​Top 10 happiest countries in the world

Sep 3, 2024

By: Kapil Yadav

Credit: Freepik

Happiness Index Report

Published by a partnership of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the happiness index is an annual report that ranks countries based on how happy their citizens perceive them to be. This list is based on the World Happiness Report 2024.

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​Finland

Also known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Finland is the happiest country in the world. Finland's happiness stems from a strong welfare system, excellent education, work-life balance, close connection to nature and trust in government.

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​Denmark

Denmark is renowned for its stunning islands, Danish pastries and amusement parks. Its strong sense of community and social equality makes it the second happiest country in the world.

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​Iceland

​The major contributors to Iceland being one of the happiest countries in the world are its low crime levels, free healthcare and education and superior quality of life. It is also famous for the rare natural phenomenon, the northern lights.

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​Sweden

Sweden is renowned for its emphasis on work-life balance, which is one of the main reasons it ranks among the happiest countries in the world. It also offers its citizens an excellent healthcare system.

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​Israel

Renowned for its rich history, culture and unique geography, Israel ranks as the fifth happiest country in the world. Israel’s ranking directly results from their emphasis on the five philosophical attitudes like mindfulness, and grateful and empathetic spirit.

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​Netherlands

With relatively shorter work weeks and longer vacations or weekends, the Netherlands puts a strong emphasis on the concept of work-life balance. This helps people manage their time for their families and themselves.

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​Norway

Norwegians are known for spending a lot of time outdoors which has a direct impact on their mental and physical well-being. Norway is also known for its social stability and great welfare system. All of this, when combined makes Norway one of the happiest countries in the world.

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Luxembourg

Luxembourg has relatively lower levels of corruption and also the residents consider themselves free to make their own life choices. It also has a high GDP per capita and a stable society, all of which results in residents feeling more satisfied and happy.

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​Australia

Australia has a number of factors that are responsible for making it one of the happiest countries in the world. Some of the crucial ones are its strong economy, high standard of living and world-class education.

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​Switzerland

Switzerland's happiness stems from its high quality of life, strong economy, excellent healthcare, low crime rates, and a beautiful, clean environment that promotes both mental and physical well-being and contentment.

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