Happiest Countries in the World

Updated On November 11, 2023
Happiest Countries in the World

Are you planning on moving to another country?

Are you planning a trip abroad?

Or maybe you’re just curious to know what the happiest country in the world is.

Whatever your reasons for asking this question, this article can provide you with a list of the happiest countries in the world, the reasons why they are at the top of the list, and what exactly makes these countries stand out.

So, on that note, let’s jump right in.

Happiest Countries in the World Index

CountryWorld Happiness Report 2023
Finland7.804
Denmark7.586
Iceland7.53
Israel7.473
Netherlands7.403
Sweden7.395
Norway7.315
Switzerland7.24
Luxembourg7.228
New Zealand7.123
Austria7.097
Australia7.095
Canada6.961
Ireland6.911
United States6.894
Germany6.892
Belgium6.859
Czech Republic6.845
United Kingdom6.796
Lithuania6.763
France6.661
Slovenia6.65
Costa Rica6.609
Romania6.589
Singapore6.587
United Arab Emirates6.571
Taiwan6.535
Uruguay6.494
Slovakia6.469
Saudi Arabia6.463
Estonia6.455
Spain6.436
Italy6.405
Chile6.334
Mexico6.33
Malta6.3
Panama6.265
Poland6.26
Nicaragua6.259
Latvia6.213
Bahrain6.173
Guatemala6.15
Kazakhstan6.144
Serbia6.144
Cyprus6.13
Japan6.129
Brazil6.125
Croatia6.125
El Salvador6.122
Hungary6.041
Argentina6.024
Honduras6.023
Uzbekistan6.014
Malaysia6.012
Portugal5.968
South Korea5.951
Greece5.931
Mauritius5.902
Thailand5.843
Mongolia5.84
Kyrgyzstan5.825
Moldova5.819
China5.818
Vietnam5.763
Paraguay5.738
Montenegro5.722
Jamaica5.703
Bolivia5.684
Russia5.661
Bosnia and Herzegovina5.633
Colombia5.63
Dominican Republic5.569
Ecuador5.559
Peru5.526
Philippines5.523
Bulgaria5.466
Nepal5.36
Armenia5.342
Tajikistan5.33
Algeria5.329
Hong Kong5.308
Indonesia5.277
Albania5.277
South Africa5.275
Republic of the Congo5.267
North Macedonia5.254
Venezuela5.211
Laos5.111
Georgia5.109
Guinea5.072
Ukraine5.071
Ivory Coast5.053
Gabon5.035
Nigeria4.981
Cameroon4.973
Mozambique4.954
Iraq4.941
Palestine4.908
Morocco4.903
Iran4.876
Senegal4.855
Mauritania4.724
Burkina Faso4.638
Namibia4.631
Turkey4.614
Ghana4.605
Pakistan4.555
Niger4.501
Tunisia4.497
Kenya4.487
Sri Lanka4.442
Uganda4.432
Chad4.397
Cambodia4.393
Benin4.374
Myanmar4.372
Bangladesh4.282
Gambia4.279
Mali4.198
Egypt4.17
Togo4.137
Jordan4.12
Ethiopia4.091
Liberia4.042
India4.036
Madagascar4.019
Zambia3.982
Tanzania3.694
Comoros3.545
Malawi3.495
Botswana3.435
DR Congo3.207
Zimbabwe3.204
Sierra Leone3.138
Lebanon2.392
Afghanistan1.859
Yemen1
Rwanda1
Azerbaijan1
Belarus1
Libya1
Turkmenistan1
Kuwait1
Lesotho1
Eswatini1

Exploring the Top 3

1. Finland

If you’ve ever wondered which countries are the happiest, you’ve probably come across Finland more than a few times.

This is because Finland has been named The Happiest Country in the World for the last six years.

If you’re wondering why this country hasn’t yet been dethroned from its rightful place as the happiest country, here are two main reasons:

  • Finland prioritizes work-life balance: Unlike most other countries, the ‘grind’ culture is not put on a pedestal. In other words, workers enjoy at least one 30-minute break on those days when they work more than six hours and no less than 11 hours of time off between shifts.
  • It has one of the best education systems in the world: For starters, Finland students take one standardized test during primary and secondary school. The curriculum focuses on complex issues that span more than one specific class. As a result, this standardized test includes academic questions as well as ethical and moral questions that are designed to make students think outside the box.

2. Denmark

The second country on our list is Denmark.

If you’ve ever visited or read about this country, it becomes evident why Denmark is at the top of the list.

Here are a few reasons:

  • Universal healthcare: Denmark has some of the highest taxes in the world, and yet the Danish people don’t complain. Why? Because they get a lot more in return, such as free healthcare for all. Most people in Denmark opt for what is known as Group 1 coverage, which allows doctors to refer people to specialists at no cost.
  • Free education: The other reason Danes do not complain about high taxes is the fact that Denmark provides free higher education. On top of that, some students get paid to go to school. Unlike other countries, where students graduate with loads of debt, Denmark allows students to focus on their schooling and not worry about the cost they must pay for an education. On top of that, students who do take out loans can pay them over 15 years at a low interest rate.

3. Iceland

It comes as a surprise to no one that the third country on our list is yet another Nordic country.

Here are a couple of reasons why Iceland made it on this list:

  • Low crime levels: Iceland has some of the lowest crime rates in the world and the lowest rate in Europe. For example, the country has had only 40 murders in the last two decades. And in 2021, Iceland had only 150 prisoners. And the safety factor is one of the main reasons this country is so happy.
  • Nature: Locals and visitors alike enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty, and it undoubtedly contributes to the overall happiness of this country.
  • Healthy Living: It’s no secret that there is a direct correlation between unhealthy living habits and depression. And since Iceland has a reputation for healthy living — with most people eating fish diets and walking a lot — it should come as a surprise to no one to know that this healthy way of life makes Icelandic people happier overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Nordic Countries so happy?

Though this question cannot be answered in a few words, we know that healthy living, universal healthcare, free education, and an overall work-life balance can make the citizens of a country happier – and Nordic countries have provided just that.

Is the average citizen from a Nordic country happy?

The answer to this question is a fascinating one because Nordic countries view happiness as contentment with life rather than a feeling of joy.

Will Nordic countries continue to be at the top?

These countries continue to change and evolve, but it seems that, yes, happiness is here to stay for Nordic countries.

1 Comment on Happiest Countries in the World

  1. Finland, Denmark, and Iceland are the happiest countries in the world due to their emphasis on work-life balance, excellent education systems, universal healthcare, free higher education, low crime levels, natural beauty, and healthy living.

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