The Happiest Countries in the World

What determines a country's happiness? Is it the landscape, the transportation, the friendly people? Is it the economy, the healthcare system or the system of government? 

March 18, 2022, marks the launch of the 10th edition of the World Happiness Report, recording the world's happiest country. This data was especially sought after to bring light to the past couple of years of pain and suffering caused by the pandemic. The research analyzed polling data from 149 countries, monitoring performance in six categories: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make your own life choices, generosity of the general population and perceptions of internal and external corruption levels.

Researchers created a dystopian country filled with “the world’s least-happy people” in order to accurately compare each country's data, according to the World Happiness Report. They set Dystopia as the lowest score of each category and measured the scores of real countries against this value. The six variables were blended to create a happiness score for each country. For the fourth consecutive year, Finland scored highest in multiple categories. Finland received an overall score of 7.842 out of 10, followed by Denmark (7.620), Switzerland (7.571), Iceland (7.554), the Netherlands (7.464), Norway (7.392) and Sweden (7.363). 

So, what makes Finland the happiest country in the world?

Finland

Reporters credited Finland as the happiest country in the world due to the strong community support and mutual trust felt around the country. Not only has this category skyrocketed their score in the past, but trust and support have helped them navigate the pandemic. Locals also felt minimal suspicion of government corruption and freedom to live the life they choose. 

Denmark

Denmark marks the second-happiest country in the world with scores comparable to Finland. Denmark even outperformed Finland in categories such as GDP per capita, generosity and perceived lack of corruption. Denmark is likely going to take the top spot in the coming years due to the country's strong sense of trust and individual rights. 

Photo by Lauren Gibbons-Neff

Switzerland 

Switzerland ranks third with an overall score of 7.571. It’s not a surprise that Switzerland is a safe and clean country, which has fostered a strong sense of community among locals. The Swiss are generally very healthy and active people, with one of the world’s lowest obesity rates. The Swiss live long lives have a high median salary and have the highest GDP per capita leading to many happy people.

Photo by Gotta Be Worth It from Pexels

Iceland 

Iceland carries a happiness score of 7.554. Of the top seven happiest countries in the world, Iceland has the highest feeling of social support. Locals gain a sense of community with a population of just over 350,000, extending closeness to immigrants as well. With 10% of Iceland’s population made up of foreigners, all Icelanders report the same level of happiness. Icelandic people can often be considered one big family as they’re often distantly related to one another. Icelanders generally aren't lonely and rely on each other frequently to thrive in such an extreme climate. Beyond this, the country succeeds in equality and inclusion, justice, low crime, beauty, literature, good health, quality education, a responsive government and strong healthcare.

Photo by Erik Dekker from Pexels

The Netherlands

The Netherlands holds a happiness score of 7.464 due to its high levels of generosity and lack of perceived corruption. Researchers found that 97.6% of respondents from the Netherlands felt at peace with their lives. The country also scores well on GDP per capita, social structures, trust, and benevolence. The Dutch live relatively relaxed lives, prioritizing mental health, personal freedoms and generosity. 

Photo by Kelley Gosk

Hopefully, after seeing the countries that are living their best lives, it can reveal that how a country operates has a direct impact on our individual happiness. This is not to say that we should all just pack our bags and move to Finland, but instead to reflect on what countries prioritize freedom, trust and togetherness. 

If you’ve been to one of the happiest countries in the world, tell us about your experience @theedgemag.