What makes a country happy? Is it the wealth, the health, the freedom, or the culture of its people? Or is it something else entirely? The World Happiness Report. is an annual publication that ranks 137 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. The report uses six factors to measure happiness: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The report also considers how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the well-being of people around the world.
Most Happiest Countries in World
In this article, we will explore the top 10 happiest countries in the world according to the 2023 edition of the World Happiness Report. We will also look at some of the reasons why these countries are so happy and what we can learn from them. Let’s get started!
1. Finland
For the sixth year in a row, Finland is the world’s happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report. Finland scored 7.80 out of 10, significantly ahead of all other countries. Finland is a Nordic country with a population of about 5.5 million people. It is known for its high-quality education, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. Finland also has a strong sense of community and trust among its people, which contributes to their happiness. Finland has also been praised for its effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has kept the infection and death rates low compared to other countries.
2. Denmark
Denmark is another Nordic country that consistently ranks high in the World Happiness Report. Denmark scored 7.59 out of 10, placing second in the 2023 edition. Denmark is a small country with a population of about 5.8 million people. It is famous for its hygge culture, which is a concept of cozy and comfortable living that promotes well-being and happiness. Denmark also has a high standard of living, a generous welfare system, a low level of corruption, and a high level of trust among its people. Denmark has also been successful in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its swift and decisive actions and its high vaccination rate.
3. Iceland
Iceland is the third happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Iceland scored 7.53 out of 10, slightly behind Denmark. Iceland is a small island nation with a population of about 360,000 people. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, its geothermal energy, its progressive society, and its resilient spirit. Iceland also has a high level of social support, a low level of inequality, and a high level of freedom and democracy. Iceland has also been remarkable in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, as it has implemented extensive testing, tracing, and isolation measures, as well as offering free mental health services to its citizens.
4. Israel
Israel is the fourth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Israel scored 7.47 out of 10, moving up from its ninth place in the previous edition. Israel is a small country with a population of about 9.3 million people. It is known for its innovation, diversity, culture, and history. Israel also has a high level of social support, a high life expectancy, and a high level of optimism and resilience among its people. Israel has also been a world leader in vaccinating its population against COVID-19, which has allowed it to reopen its economy and society.
5. Netherlands
The Netherlands is the fifth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. The Netherlands scored 7.46 out of 10, slightly below Israel. The Netherlands is a small country with a population of about 17.4 million people. It is known for its tolerance, liberalism, democracy, and human rights. The Netherlands also has a high standard of living, a high quality of health care, a high level of education, and a high level of environmental protection. The Netherlands has also been relatively successful in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its pragmatic and cooperative approach and its strong social cohesion.
6. Sweden
Sweden is the sixth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Sweden scored 7.40 out of 10, slightly below the Netherlands. Sweden is a Nordic country with a population of about 10.3 million people. It is known for its egalitarianism, social justice, innovation, and culture. Sweden also has a high level of social support, a high life expectancy, a high level of trust, and a high level of happiness and satisfaction among its people. Sweden has also been resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its controversial strategy of avoiding lockdowns and relying on voluntary measures.
7. Norway
Norway is the seventh happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Norway scored 7.32 out of 10, slightly below Sweden. Norway is a Nordic country with a population of about 5.4 million people. It is known for its oil wealth, its social welfare, its environmental sustainability, and its peace and security. Norway also has a high level of social support, a high life expectancy, a high level of freedom and democracy, and a high level of generosity and altruism among its people. Norway has also been effective in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its early and strict measures and its high compliance and solidarity among its people.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland is the eighth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Switzerland scored 7.30 out of 10, slightly below Norway. Switzerland is a small country with a population of about 8.6 million people. It is known for its neutrality, its direct democracy, its innovation, and its quality of life. Switzerland also has a high level of social support, a high life expectancy, a high level of trust and transparency, and a high level of happiness and satisfaction among its people. Switzerland has also been relatively successful in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its decentralized and flexible system and its high level of personal responsibility and civic duty among its people.
9. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is the ninth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Luxembourg scored 7.28 out of 10, slightly below Switzerland. Luxembourg is a small country with a population of about 630,000 people. It is known for its wealth, its multiculturalism, its stability, and its influence. Luxembourg also has a high level of social support, a high life expectancy, a high level of freedom and democracy, and a high level of happiness and satisfaction among its people. Luxembourg has also been proactive in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its high level of testing, tracing, and vaccination and its high level of cooperation and solidarity among its people.
10. New Zealand
New Zealand is the tenth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. New Zealand scored 7.26 out of 10, slightly below Luxembourg. New Zealand is a small island nation with a population of about 5 million people. It is known for its natural beauty, its diversity, its culture, and its adventure. New Zealand also has a high level of social support, a high life expectancy, a high level of freedom and democracy, and a high level of happiness and satisfaction among its people. New Zealand has also been exemplary in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its swift and decisive actions, its clear and compassionate communication, and its high level of trust and compliance among its people.
Conclusion
The World Happiness Report 2023 shows that happiness is not only determined by economic factors, but also by social, psychological, and environmental factors. The top 10 happiest countries in the world share some common characteristics, such as high levels of social support, trust, freedom, generosity, and resilience. They also show that happiness is possible even in the midst of a global crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, if there is effective leadership, cooperation, and solidarity among the people and the institutions. The World Happiness Report also offers some insights and recommendations on how to improve the well-being of people and the planet, such as fostering more inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing social and emotional skills, promoting positive emotions and mental health, and strengthening global cooperation and solidarity.
We hope that this article has given you some information and inspiration on the topic of happiness and well-being. If you want to learn more about the World Happiness Report and the methodology behind it, you can visit the official website. You can also check out the full ranking of the 137 countries and see how your country compares to the others. And if you want to find out how happy you are, you can take the online happiness test. and get your personal happiness score and report.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the World Happiness Report?
A: The World Happiness Report is an annual publication that ranks 137 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. The report uses six factors to measure happiness: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The report also considers how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the well-being of people around the world.
Q: Who produces the World Happiness Report?
A: The World Happiness Report is produced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, and the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization at Erasmus University Rotterdam. The report is also supported by various partners and sponsors, such as the Happiness Research Institute, the Gallup World.
Q: How is the happiness score calculated for each country?
A: The happiness score for each country is calculated by taking the average of the responses to a single question from the Gallup World Poll. The question asks the respondents to rate their own current lives on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 means the worst possible life and 10 means the best possible life. This measure is also known as the Cantril ladder of life satisfaction.
Q: How reliable and valid is the World Happiness Report?
A: The World Happiness Report is based on rigorous and reputable data sources, methods, and experts. The Gallup World Poll, which provides the main data for the report, is a global survey that covers more than 150 countries and territories, representing more than 95% of the world’s population. The survey uses standardized and scientifically validated questions, sampling techniques, and quality controls. The report also uses data from other sources, such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the United Nations, and various academic and research institutions. The report is peer-reviewed and endorsed by leading experts in the fields of economics, psychology, sociology, public health, and policy.
Q: How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the happiness of people and countries?
A: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the happiness and well-being of people and countries around the world. The pandemic has caused widespread suffering, death, fear, anxiety, loneliness, and economic hardship. It has also disrupted the normal functioning of society, such as education, work, leisure, and social interactions. The report shows that the pandemic has reduced the overall happiness of the world by about 0.37 points, and that the countries that have been hit hardest by the pandemic have experienced the largest drops in happiness. However, the report also shows that some countries have been able to cope better than others, thanks to their effective and compassionate responses, their strong social and institutional support, and their high levels of trust and resilience.
Q: What are the main policy implications and recommendations of the World Happiness Report?
A: The World Happiness Report has several policy implications and recommendations for improving the happiness and well-being of people and the planet. Some of the main ones are:
- Happiness and well-being should be considered as important goals and indicators of development, alongside economic and environmental measures.
- Happiness and well-being should be measured regularly and systematically, using both subjective and objective data, and taking into account the diversity and complexity of human experiences.
- Happiness and well-being should be promoted and protected by creating more inclusive and sustainable societies, enhancing social and emotional skills, fostering positive emotions and mental health, and strengthening global cooperation and solidarity.
- Happiness and well-being should be prioritized and supported by investing more in public goods and services, such as health, education, social protection, and environmental conservation, and by reducing inequality, poverty, and corruption.
Q: How can I increase my own happiness and well-being?
A: There is no simple or universal answer to this question, as happiness and well-being depend on many factors, both internal and external, and vary from person to person. However, some general tips and suggestions that may help you increase your own happiness and well-being are:
- Be grateful for what you have and appreciate the small things in life.
- Be optimistic and hopeful about the future and learn from the past.
- Be kind and generous to others and help those in need.
- Be connected and supportive to your family, friends, and community.
- Be authentic and true to yourself and your values.
- Be curious and open-minded and seek new experiences and knowledge.
- Be healthy and active and take care of your physical and mental health.
- Be mindful and present and enjoy the moment.
- Be purposeful and meaningful and pursue your passions and goals.
- Be happy and have fun and do what makes you smile and laugh.