Every year, on International Day of Happiness (March 20), a UN agency publishes the World Happiness Report, which includes the happiest countries in the world.
In 2019, the World Happiness Report uses six key variables to explain differences in happiness across countries:
- GDP per capita;
- social support;
- healthy life expectancy;
- freedom;
- generosity;
- freedom from corruption.
The report does not build a “happiness scale” using these six factors. Instead, the results for each state are based on their own assessments of citizens' lives. Between 2016 and 2018, people were asked how happy they were on a scale of 0 to 10.
10 happiest countries in the world in 2019
10. Austria
In the current happiness ranking, Austria has pushed Australia out of the top ten. Clean, prosperous and safe - that's how many tourists characterize this country. She is the only European country not to join NATO.
Austrians are known as "incorrigible workaholics" and the country has a very low unemployment rate (4.8%, in Russia - 4.9%). And also very high salaries: an average of 3500 euros per month. Persons who work officially are provided with a social package that includes the right to sick leave and unemployment benefits.
9. Canada
One of the largest economies in the world relies on the country's rich natural resources and well-developed trade networks. The main metrics that contribute to the country's entry into the top 10 happiest in the world are the peak life expectancy ratio, small population and beautiful landscapes.
8. New Zealand
A high happiness rating does not protect a country's people from violence, as the recent attack on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand shows. But the reaction of New Zealanders to this attack is very indicative.
"The happiest and most closely connected societies stand out for their resilience and the ability to cope with bad things," said John Helliwell, professor emeritus of economics at the University of British Columbia. "After the 2011 earthquake, and now the terrorist attack in Christchurch - a place with high social capital, where residents are friendly - people rally, help each other and (after the earthquake) immediately recover."
7. Sweden
Sweden has a population of 10.2 million, of which 2.4 million are immigrants. Moreover, the population density in the country is relatively low. About 85% of people prefer to choose urban areas of the country. As a result, Sweden is known as a rural country with a high standard of living and happy people.
The Swedish economy is oriented towards the export-oriented nature of iron, forest and hydropower resources. At the same time, the government does not force its citizens to tighten their belts from year to year, but directs the money received from foreign trade to the development of medicine and education, which are among the best in the world.
6.Switzerland
The unique traits of this peaceful and wealthy country include a thriving economy, clean environment, phenomenal infrastructure, affordable and quality educational services.
Switzerland has a very high average life expectancy of 82.90 years. For comparison: in our country this figure is 71.59 years.
The positive features of the country also include the transparency of government actions, broad civil liberties, high quality of life, the possibility of human development and economic competitiveness.
5. Netherlands
The country is the second largest exporter of agricultural and food products worldwide. This is due to the fertility of its soil and mild climatic conditions, as well as developed agricultural methods.
The Netherlands is a liberal country with legalized rules for prostitution, abortion and euthanasia. It provides quality medical services, an excellent education, and a wide range of social benefits. Unsurprisingly, the level of happiness in the Netherlands is consistently high.
4. Iceland
The most peaceful and secure country in the North Atlantic is consistently among the top ten countries with the highest standard of living in the world... Iceland is so peaceful that it does not have a permanent army force other than a small contingent of the Coast Guard.
Characteristic features of Iceland are political, economic, social stability and equality of citizens before the law. It is also renowned for its low tax rates and a wealth of education and health services.
3. Norway
The hallmarks of Norway are social equality and a high level of well-being of its citizens. The third happiest country in the world plays a significant role in the oil and hydropower sectors and is the largest natural gas producer in the Middle East.
In one of her books, the Norwegian writer Hanne Erstavik tells us in detail why the Scandinavians are some of the happiest people in the world. “This helps us to know that if a child is diagnosed with a chronic disease, he will receive free medical treatment. Schools and universities are free for everyone. Our famous generous parental leave - about 12 months full pay, including 12 weeks for fathers, to encourage early father-child bonding with a long-term goal of fostering gender equality - also fosters a sense of being protected - something more than yourself that you live in a caring system. "
2. Denmark
In second place in the ranking is one of the most socially developed and economically grounded countries in the world.
Denmark has a very low crime rate according to the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world... And the Danish work culture is highly flexible. In Copenhagen, you can have an interesting job, pursue your career ambitions and be a considerate parent at the same time. In fact, not having to worry about spending too little time with your family is one of the main reasons many migrants say living in Denmark is great.
1. Finland
Finnish happiness is enhanced by unhindered access to nature, a safe life, affordable childcare, free education and high-quality medical services.
Finland has seen a modest but steady rise in happiness since 2014, according to a UN report, and is now well ahead of other countries in the top ten.
People in superpowers are not the happiest in the world
None of the superpowers made it to the top 10 rankings.The UK came in 15th, up from 18th, Germany came in 17th, down from 15th, and the United States ranked 19th, down one place from last year's rankings, Japan came in at 58th. 4th place (up from 54th in the 2018 Happiness Index), and China ranked 93rd (up from 86th).
Russia in the 2019 ranking of happiness was in 68th place, having dropped by 9 points at once compared to last year's Index. And it is unlikely that Russians will be greatly comforted by the fact that things are even worse in neighboring Ukraine, and in terms of happiness, this country is ranked 133rd in the top 156.
AND South Sudan turns out to be the most unfortunate country in the world.