Every year, on International Day of Happiness (March 20), one of the UN divisions publishes the World Happiness Report - The World Happiness Report, which includes the happiest countries in the world.
In 2019, the World Happiness Report uses six key variables to explain the differences in happiness in different countries:
- GDP per capita;
- social support;
- life expectancy;
- freedom;
- generosity;
- freedom from corruption.
The report does not build a “scale of happiness” using these six factors. Instead, the results for each state are based on their own assessments of the lives of citizens. Between 2016 and 2018, people were asked how happy they were on a scale of 0 to 10.
The 10 happiest countries in the world in 2019
10. Austria
In the current ranking of happiness, Austria has pushed Australia out of the top ten. Clean, safe and secure - this is how many tourists characterize this country. She - the only European country - did not join NATO.
The 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: on average - 3,500 euros per month. Those who work officially are provided with a social package, including the right to sick leave and unemployment benefits.
9. Canada
One of the largest economies in the world relies on rich natural resources and well-developed trading networks of the country. The main metrics that contribute to the country's entry into the top 10 happiest in the world are the peak ratio of life expectancy, small population and beautiful landscapes.
8. New Zealand
A high rating of happiness does not protect people in a country from violence, as shown by the recent attack on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. But the reaction of New Zealand residents to this attack is very revealing.
“The happiest and most closely connected societies stand out for their resilience and ability to handle bad things,” says John Hellywell, professor emeritus of economics at the University of British Columbia. "After the earthquake of 2011, and now the terrorist attack in Christchurch - a place with high social capital, where the residents are friendly - people rally, help each other and (after the earthquake) recover immediately."
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 residents.
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 features of this peaceful and rich country include a thriving economy, clean environment, phenomenally developed infrastructure, affordable and high-quality educational services.
Switzerland has a very high 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 transparency of government actions, wide civil liberties, high quality of life, the possibility of developing human potential and economic competitiveness.
5. The 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, excellent education, and there is a wide range of social benefits. It is not surprising that the level of happiness of the inhabitants of the Netherlands is at a consistently high level.
4. Iceland
The most peaceful and safe country in the North Atlantic is consistently among the top ten countries with the highest living standards in the world. Iceland is so peaceful that it does not have permanent army forces, except for a small contingent of the coast guard.
The characteristic features of Iceland are political, economic, social stability and equality of citizens before the law. It is also famous for its low tax rates and a wide range of educational and health services.
3. Norway
Distinctive features of Norway are social equality and a high level of well-being of citizens. The third happiest country in the world plays a significant role in the oil and hydropower sectors and is the largest producer of natural gas in the Middle East.
In one of his books, the Norwegian writer Hanne Erstavik tells us in detail why the Scandinavians are one of the happiest people in the world. “This helps us to know that if a child has a chronic illness, he will receive free medical treatment. Schools and universities are free for everyone. Our celebrated generous parental leave — about 12 months full paid, including 12 weeks for fathers, with the goal of encouraging early bonds between father and child with the long-term goal of enhancing gender equality — also contributes to a sense of being protected by it’s more than you yourself that you live in a caring system. ”
2. Denmark
In second place in the ranking is one of the socially developed and economically sound countries in the world.
Denmark has a very low crime rate, according to the Global Peace Index, which makes it one of the safest countries in the world. And Danish work culture is characterized by a high degree of flexibility. In Copenhagen, you can have an interesting job, pursue your career ambitions and at the same time be an attentive parent. In fact, not having to worry about spending too little time with your family is one of the main reasons why many migrants say that living in Denmark is great
1. Finland
Finnish happiness is increasing thanks to unhindered access to nature, safe life, affordable childcare, free education and high-quality medical services.
According to the UN report, since 2014 in Finland there has been a modest but steady increase in happiness, and currently the country is significantly ahead of other countries in the top ten.
People in superpowers are not the happiest in the world
None of the superpowers was in the top 10 ranking. Great Britain took 15th place, rising from the 18th, Germany took 17th place, dropping from 15th, and the United States took 19th place, dropping one position down compared to last year's rating, Japan took 58th e place (compared with 54th in the 2018 Index of Happiness), and China was in 93rd place (compared with 86th).
Russia in the ranking of happiness in 2019 was in 68th place, dropping immediately by 9 points 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 by the level of happiness, this country occupies the 133rd place in the top 156.
AND South Sudan turned out to be the most miserable country in the world.
