We’d like to think of the United States as a rather happy place. However, there are actually several countries where people report feeling even more content and according to the World Happiness Report, these countries top the charts. Here are twelve countries that are happier than the USA & why life is so good for the people who live there. Really, these countries have something special going on.
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A Strong Sense of Community
In Finland, people really trust each other & their government. Most neighbors know one another, and there’s a real sense of community that makes daily life more enjoyable! But that’s not all. The Finnish social welfare system gives everyone free healthcare and education which makes people rather happy. They feel well taken care of.
Embracing Social Equality
Denmark believes in taking care of its people and that’s why it has progressive taxes that fund comprehensive welfare programs. Such measures have reduced the gap between the rich and the poor. Danish students also don’t pay tuition fees—they even receive a monthly stipend to help with living costs. As such, people are rather happy since their needs are met.
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Tight-Knit Communities
With a population of around 360,000, Iceland feels like one big neighborhood & that’s one of the reasons people here have such a real sense of belonging. Events like Þorrablót, a mid-winter festival, bring communities together to celebrate traditions. Essentially, there’s a strong social network. People have support when they need it—and rarely feel isolated.
A Bicycling Paradise
In the Netherlands, hopping on a bike is part of everyday life and there are actually more bicycles than people in the country! Cycling everywhere cuts down on traffic jams & pollution—while keeping everyone active. Cities are designed with cyclists in mind. This makes it relatively easy and safe to get around on two wheels which makes even daily routines a little more exciting.
Generous Parental Leave
If you’re a new parent in Sweden, life’s quite sweet. Moms and dads can share up to 480 days of paid parental leave when they have a child & they receive about 80% of their normal salary during this time. In fact, parents may use this leave until their child turns eight. All this support makes raising a family a lot easier here and that’s why people are so happy.
Living Close to Nature
In Norway, breathtaking landscapes are everywhere, like majestic fjords, rugged mountains & the Northern Lights in the sky. You just can’t be unhappy here! Thanks to “allemannsretten,” or the right to roam, everyone may access nature—even on private land. For Norwegians, enjoying the great outdoors is simply how they live life.
Active Citizens in Politics
Regular people in Switzerland have a direct say in government decisions and that’s because of frequent referendums. Citizens vote on national issues several times a year. These cover everything from environmental policies & social matters, with such direct democracy giving people real control over important topics. People feel connected and satisfied.
Enjoying a High Standard of Living
While Luxembourg might be small, it’s big on prosperity as it has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world. As such, people enjoy high incomes—and a comfortable lifestyle. If that wasn’t enough, stable employment and strong social services allow people to feel a sense of security in their daily lives. So it’s no wonder that locals are so happy!
Space to Breathe
With about 5 million people spread across its two main islands, New Zealand has so much room to spread out. Less crowding means less traffic & noise—life naturally feels more peaceful. Outside of the cities, residents can easily visit incredible places like pristine beaches and lush forests. Living close to nature helps people in New Zealand feel content.
A Lively Cultural Scene
As the birthplace of Mozart and home to composers like Strauss, Austria has a rich classical music heritage. Is it really that surprising that people are so happy here? You can go to Vienna’s famous coffeehouses to relax & soak in the atmosphere. If that’s not your thing, try visiting the countless museums or galleries. There’s always something to explore!
Loving the Great Outdoors
Sunshine & good weather make outdoor living a way of life in Australia and people love going surfing at famous spots like Bondi Beach. Then there are the National parks—where you can go hiking or do some wildlife watching. Such an active lifestyle means Aussies spend lots of time in the fresh air connecting with other people.
Celebrating Diversity
Canada is one of those countries that accepts people from all over the world. Multiculturalism is an important part of its identity. Since adopting multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971, the country has celebrated its diverse population. As such, living in a society that cares so much about diversity helps people feel accepted. It has increased overall happiness across the country.
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Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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