Happiness depends on a lot of factors including the overall perception of wealth, success, health, prosperity, and general environment. The weather can also play a huge role in the population’s general mood.
Happiness isn’t an easy thing to quantify, but the United Nations believe they’ve nailed down a winning formula to get the job done.
They release the annual World Happiness Report that ranks every country’s happiness through surveys and data. The report looks at factors such as equality, work-life balance, a strong sense of community, and respect for other citizens. Keep reading to find out which
At Number 35 We Have El Salvador
El Salvador isn’t a big country by any means. It’s the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. Most people in this country make a living by working in agriculture, although rapid industrialization in recent years ha caused more people than ever before to begin working in fields such as technology and innovation.
While El Salvador does have high rates of poverty, inequality, and crime, citizens of the country note that social support and a healthy lifestyle contribute to their overall happiness. The gorgeous weather and stunning views probably also help.
Singapore Rings In At Number 34
Singapore is a country that prides itself on order, cleanliness, and lawful behavior. There are some pretty strict rules in this country, and if you step out of line, you’re going to have to face some pretty severe consequences. Even so, the residents of Singapore seem to love their way of life.
Singapore is also a very diverse place. Of the 5.6 million residents who call Singapore home, 39% are originally from another country. The country’s cultural diversity has resulted in an incredible selection of cuisine and festivals, which generally make people happy.
Uruguay Is At Number 33 On Our List
Uruguay is the top-ranked country in Latin America in terms of democracy, peace, and low perception of corruption. The country also has a fairly strong and prosperous middle class. It’s also high-ranking when it comes to the economy and income equality.
Uruguay has several delicious signature dishes ncluding a chivito, or a steak sandwich, and pancho, which is a Uruguayan hot dog. Apparently fast food is a big part of the happiness equation. Fries anyone?
Brazil Is Lucky Number 32
Brazilians have a reputation for being very outgoing, friendly, and boisterous, so it makes sense for Brazil to make our top 35 happiest countries list. Brazilians live in a country where they can enjoy a tropical climate, forests and beautiful beaches. The Brazilian economy is on its way up, and it currently sits as the ninth largest GDP in the world.
Brazilian culture has many influences, resulting in a diverse culture of cuisine, cinema, and music.
Panama Is At Number 31
Panama’s economy is one of the fasted growing economies in Latin America. This country has been able to manage its increasing wealth very effectively. Major construction projects and tourism have largely contributed to steady economic growth.
Citizens of Panama love to participate in festivals throughout the year and also have a culture rich with architecture, cuisine, pottery, and woodcarvings. They’re also surrounded by water which means they have access to activities like surfing and boating all year round.
Spain Is Lucky Number 30
Spain has the fourteenth largest economy by nominal GDP in the world. This country has old roots, but many of its citizens are quite modern in their thinking. Spain has also invested a lot of time and money in renewable energy and technology, as well as global corporations and petroleum companies.
The people of Spain rank high in health and life expectancy as the Spanish National Health System is named one of the best in the world.
Qatar Brings Us To Number 29
The country of Qatar is very densely populated, but it also has the economic ability to support its many citizens. that’s why Qatar has the highest per capita income in the world. It’s also the most advanced Arab state for freedom, opportunity, and well-being.
In terms of weather, Qatar has mild winters and hot and humid summers. It’s a good thing that this country is right on the ocean. its broad coast allows residents to cool off in the ocean during the hot summer months.
Saudi Arabia Comes In At Number 28
Saudi Arabia has the 18th largest economy in the world and one of the largest economies in the Middle East. Even though the citizens of Saudi Arabia follow ancient traditions, the population of the country is one of the youngest in the world. More than 50 percent of the people who live in Saudi Arabia are under 25 years old.
In recent years, events such as comedy shows, professional wrestling, and monster truck rallies have appeared after a decades-long ban was lifted.
Guatemala Is At Number 27
Guatemala is one of the most densely populated countries in Central America, but it’s also one of the happiest countries in the world. Guatemala’s economy has been steadily rising since the country’s civil war that ended in 1996. Two mountain chains separate Guatemala into three regions which have different climates ranging from hot, humid, tropical areas by the beach to a colder, drier climate in the mountains.
Guatemalan Nobel Peace Prize 1992 Rigoberta Menchu speaks during an interview with AFP on September 2, 2015. Menchu said that the mass mobilization caused by the corruption scandal involving Guatemala’s President Otto Perez Molina is the “big awakening of the people”. AFP PHOTO ORLANDO SIERRA (Photo credit should read ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Tourists from all over the world travel to Guatemala to lounge on this country’s glorious beaches.
Chile Is In The 26th Spot
The Republic of Chile is the Latin American leader in income, economic freedom and opportunity. Chile is also a leader in globalization as a founding member of the United Stations, the Union of South American Nations and other organizations seeking to increase peace and economic stability.
You can find all kinds of geographic features in Chile including the Andes Mountains, the highest volcano in the world, Atacama desert, and long stretch of coastline. All of those topographies allow Chileans to enjoy a wide variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Number 25 Is The Taiwan Province of China
The island country of Taiwan has a long history and various names deriving from different time periods. The eastern mountains of Taiwan are forest, while the northern and central regions are subtropical. The country’s politics are currently going through a transitional period which also inhibits their foreign relations.
The “Taiwan Miracle” rapidly increased the country’s economic growth after 1950, with the help of economic aid by the United States. The economy continues to improve as does its educational system. Taiwanese students are among the world’s best in math, science, and literacy. Taiwan also has one of the world’s most highly educated work forces.
France Is Number 24
French people love their liberal arts and France is full of it. People travel from all around the world to see the artwork, historical monuments and festivals that France has to offer. French citizens are happy to enjoy one of the best universal health care systems in the world, with the system covering approximately 77% of its citizens’ health care.
The economy in France is also strong– it’s the tenth largest economy in the world and the EU’s second largest economy. There are many reasons to love living in France which is why it ranks the 24th happiest country in the world.
Mexico Comes In At Number 23
Mexico is the tenth most populous country in the world with an estimated population of over 129 million people. Its economy is going strong as the 15th largest nominal GDP, and is the second-largest exporter of electronics to the United States. Mexico also produces more automobiles than any other country in North America.
Its future is bright, with big investments in communications and energy while it also remains to be one of the most visited countries in the world. While Mexico also faces its share of problems due to cartels and crime, overall, it’s one of the happiest countries in the world.
Malta Is Number 22
Although Malta is the world’s tenth smallest country, it’s also one of the happiest! The country has an estimated population of about 475,000 and has been inhabited since as far back as 5900 BC.
Located on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta has mild winters, hot summers and beautiful coastlines. Its economy relies on tourism and exporting limestone, tobacco and cotton. Most everything is imported, as the country has no domestic energy sources. Citizens of Malta are rated among the happiest in the world, and why wouldn’t they be? Their country truly is paradise.
The United Arab Emirates Is At Number 21
While the region of United Arab Emirates is rich with history as the land has been occupied for thousands of years, the country is still very young, with December 2, 1971 being its Independence Day .
The country’s resources are plentiful, including copper from the Hajar Mountains and oil drilling, both on land over the Buraimi Oasis and offshore over the Umm Shaif pearl bed. United Arab Emirates is also working to improve their healthcare and education systems, making for a bright future for its younger citizens.
The Czech Republic Is The 20th Happiest Country
The Czech Republic is the most eastern country to land a spot in the top 20. They’ve slowly been climbing up the Happiness Index since breaking from the Soviet Bloc in 1991. The rating system cites the declining corruption levels in the Czech government, as well as their work-life balance.
The Czech Republic can also be a happy place for tourists. It’s one of the cheaper destinations to travel to and the population is definitely welcoming.
The United States Of America Is Number 19
The United States used to top the happiness list with ease, but has steadily dropped over the last decade. According to the World Happiness Report, opioid addiction, mental health disorders, obesity are the top reasons why Americans have become steadily unhappier.
On the bright side, there are a lot of reasons for Americans to be happy. Especially if you live in some of the happiest states like Hawaii, Utah, and Minnesota. When you’re surrounded by palm trees and have unlimited cheese, then there’s no reason to be unhappy!
Belgium Comes In At Number 18
In comparison to the countries around them, Belgium does pretty darn well. They do manage to place way above France though who doesn’t even make it into the top 20. They boast a great work-life balance but still make better than average incomes.
Like many of their neighboring nations and Nordic friends up north, Belgium also has an excellent (free) education system and well-funded social aid programs to help citizens build networks.
Germany Is Number 17
Since the end of the Cold War, Germany has maintained a steady spot in the top 20 when it comes to happiness. One of the biggest things that boost Germany’s happiness index is the average citizen’s sporting groups and hobbies. They take their free time seriously.
Germans also rank high when it comes to flexibility and work. The country is overall pretty happy with their control over how many hours a day they work and how they spend their time.
Ireland Is The 16th Happiest Country
The Emerald Isle is home to some pretty happy people thanks to an increased life expectancy. They have increased their expectancy five years since 2000 and the government has increased their social aid programs too.
What’s most impressive is that Ireland has maintained their happiness levels on a pretty consistent scale even when they’ve suffered harsh economic times. They also rank as one of the top drinkers in the world, so maybe the beer has kept them happy.
The United Kingdom Is Number 15
Slipping past Ireland, the United Kingdom lands 15th when it comes to happiness. While they have a comparable social support and life expectancy as Ireland, the U.K. has one of the best generosity rankings. When asked, more than 70% of U.K. citizens donate to charity regularly.
The United Kingdom used to rule the world and now they’re just struggling to make sure they’re happy on their own. It’s kind of like after you get out of a toxic relationship and have to find yourself. We believe in you, U.K.
Luxembourg Is Number 14
It’s one of the smallest countries in the world, but it’s also one of the happiest. Luxembourg is only 1,000 square miles and has barely 600,000 citizens but it also boasts the second-highest GDP per capita. The country is landlocked between Belgium, Germany, and France, but is filled to the brim with castles and old-world architecture.
Luxembourg is also one of the only trilingual countries in the world. They have one of the few truly trilingual education systems too.
Israel Is The 13th Happiest Place
After its creation in 1948, Israel has slowly increased its population. The nation is now home to more than 8 million citizens and has one of the highest standards of living in the Middle East. The country has some incredible exports on olive oil and caviar to add to its GDP.
The fact that Israel has managed to find themselves in the top 20 happiest countries despite their ongoing conflicts with surrounding countries is pretty impressive.
Number 12 Is Costa Rica
The only Central American country to crack the top 20 is beautiful Costa Rica. The Spanish speaking national of over 4 million is a frequent tourist attraction. Its beautiful beaches and rainforests might be eye-catching, but Costa Rica also has a stable democracy and highly educated population.
One way they did this was completely getting rid of their army. That means all the money they would put towards the army is now spent on education and social programs.
Australia Comes In At Number 11
The country “down under” used to be a staple in the top ten for happiness rankings, but it’s been dropping consistently over the last few years. The island nation has 23.8 million citizens but still has an impressive $67,000 GDP per capita. They also manage to have an average life expectancy of 82 years.
We’re not sure why they keep slipping in the rankings, especially since Australia has some of the most beautiful sandy white beaches in the world.
Austria Is The 10th Happiest Place
Drop a few letters from Australia and you have the next happiest country, Austria. Up two spots from 2018, the breathtaking European nation has broken into the top ten happiest countries. There’s only about 8.7 million people living in the country but it still boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates and one of the higher life expectancies.
Austrians get everything they want thanks to their government. They have an electoral participation rate of 75% (compare that to America’s 57%), which means Austrians are really taking control of their own destiny.
Oh Canada Is Oh So Happy At Number 9
Oh, Canada. All around the world Canadians are known to be some of the nicest people and now they’re some of the happiest. Even though they’ve slipped two spots from 2018, they still have a pretty happy metric.
Some of the happiness indicators that are flaunted in Canada is a sense of free choice, opportunities available, and relative income equality. Also, they have poutine, which is one of their best-kept secrets. Maybe if every country covered their French fries with gravy, they’d all be a bit happier.
Number 8 Is New Zealand
Three spots ahead of its more famous neighbor, New Zealand ranks number eight on the happiest countries list. The island of New Zealand is home to 4 million people (and 30 million sheep) that take being happy very seriously.
In 2018, their parliament passed a “Wellbeing Budget” that was all about being happy and is the first of its kind in the world. It included things like improving housing, reducing child poverty, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Sweden Comes In At Number 7
Okay, we’ve hit the Nordic countries. Sweden is the first of the group to appear on the list and they have sat in the top 10 for years. The Happiness Report boasts a huge GDP per capita, which basically means Swedish people make a lot more money per person than other countries.
Sweden has also kept their claws in the top ten spot thanks to its beautiful wilderness, hip cities, and love of IKEA. Anywhere with unlimited Swedish meatballs must be a happy place.
Switzerland Is Number 6
Switzerland once held the top spot on the Happiness Report. Even though they’ve dropped five spots since 2015, the nation of 8.4 million people still seems to be pretty happy. Alongside its top education and infrastructure system, Switzerland is also one of the healthiest countries.
They have one of the lowest obesity rates in Europe at only 8%. We’re not sure how they pull that off though considering they’re known for making delicious chocolate and cheese.
Number Five Is The Netherlands
The Dutch just keep getting happier and happier and they can thank their younger generations for it. They’ve somehow managed to quell teen angst because 94% of kids age 12-18 claim to be very happy with their lives. That’s thanks to their top education system and vast social programs.
The Netherlands is also probably pretty happy because they don’t have to worry too much about global warming. Only 21% of their population lives below sea level so they’ll survive the next apocalypse.
In Fourth Place, We Have Iceland
Iceland routinely nabs one of the top spots when it comes to happiness for a variety of reasons. They’re rated as the best country when it comes to gender equality, has ultra-low taxes, and still provides free healthcare and education.
The not-so-icy country also might relate their happiness to their love of books. 10% of their population has published a book in their lifetime. Maybe reading can make you not only smarter, but also happier.
Number 3 Goes To Norway
Norway is near the top of our list because, when it comes down to it, they’re one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Unlike other countries, Norway makes sure their GDP is spread equally between its citizens.
They have some of the lowest income and gender gaps in the world, and they have some of the highest job satisfaction rates. They also have some of the highest trust in their elected officials.
In Second Place, Denmark!
Just like many of the other Nordic countries that top the happiness report, Denmark can thank a variety of social programs to explain why they’re so happy. Danes, in particular, have one of the best work-life balance ratings in the world, meaning they know how to play hard too.
The Danes also boast an impressive 100% literacy rate. Iceland loves to write books and Denmark loves to read them. I see a happiness connection when it comes to literacy.
First Place Goes To Finland!
The Nordic country to beat them all is Finland. The people of Finland enjoy all the social and political perks of other Nordic countries while also having one of the highest standards of living and lowest corruption levels.
The Fins love their high happiness rating so much that they have a “Rent A Finn” program where a tourist can get paired up with a happiness guide that takes them on a three-day vacation through the country.
Bleacher Breaker / Balkantimes.press
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