Countries With The Happiest People In The World

Understanding what makes a country's people happy can provide valuable insights into the best strategies for structuring society and fostering well-being. The World Happiness Report, published annually, offers a comprehensive look at the happiest countries globally, highlighting the unique factors that contribute to each country's residents' well-being. In 2024, the countries with the happiest people in the world were Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel, all of which have unique reasons behind their happiness and health.

1. Finland

According to the World Happiness Report, Finland has ranked first for the happiest people in the world for seven consecutive years, which is no coincidence. This Is Finland asked Finns in an interview what it was that made them so happy, their answers perfectly highlighting the country's strengths. One woman, when asked, responded, "I love how honest the people are and how reliable everything is." Another man stated, "I love living in Finland because things work here." Compared to the global average, Finland has high trust in public institutions and government, with 61.5% of Finns trusting their national government, per an OECD report. Within the interview, various Finns also commented on the country's well-established bus and transportation system and the excellent healthcare system to which they had access.

Another common sentiment was their privilege to study in such a developed educational system. In Finland, there are no tuition fees at any education level, students have elaborate access to grants and scholarships if needed, and classrooms are learner-centered, with an emphasis on self-initiative and collaboration. One student shared, "This library, for example—I was just upstairs printing a 3D print. What makes me happy is that I can study... for free."

In addition to Finland's extensive social support systems, Finns also find happiness in nature, which is plentiful throughout the country. 96% of Finns participate in outdoor recreational activities. "Freedom to... take my bicycle and just go and... enjoy the sunshine and nice weather and nature of Finland," another young Finn responded when asked what made him happy.

2. Denmark

Denmark's social equality, healthcare system, education system, and work-life balance are just a few of the factors that have ranked it as number two for happiest people. Regarding income equality, it is the fourth most equal in the world, and 0% of citizens live under the poverty line as of 2022. Additionally, Denmark boasts the third strongest pension system in the world for older people and retirees, covering their basic necessities and contributing to a higher life expectancy. "A lack of these... [pensions] often constrains freedom for older people in many countries, but not so much in Denmark," Søren Harnow Klausen, a philosophy professor at the University of Southern Denmark, stated during an interview with Jillian Wilson with the HuffPost.

High taxes are largely responsible for supporting Denmark's extensive social welfare system. Although Denmark has some of the highest taxes worldwide, up to half their income, most Danes report doing so happily. Per a conversation with an Oxford Student Newspaper Writer, One woman commented that growing up in Denmark meant learning to understand the bigger picture.

British journalist Helen Russell moved to Denmark in 2013 in an attempt to understand what made Danes so happy. Short office hours were just one of the factors that surprised her. "My husband went off to work at Lego and came home at 4 pm and then Friday came around and he came home at 2.30 pm," she stated in an interview with Graihagh Jackson. Russel's experience is no anomaly. Denmark officially has a 37-hour working week, and many Danes leave around four pm to pick their children up from school and begin preparing dinner. Many offices even shut down entirely for some weeks during the summer.

3. Iceland

The tiny country of Iceland, with a population of just a little over 380,000 people, ranks third in terms of the world's happiest people. In fact, one of the most significant factors in their happiness relates to its population size. The country has a tight-knit community, with residents accustomed to supporting each other, especially because of difficult weather conditions. According to Iceland resident Nanna Gunnarsdóttir, even in the capital city of Reykjavik, "seemingly everyone knows something about you (or they can find out easily!)."

Generally speaking, Icelanders are proud of their country and happy to be citizens and residents. According to Jordi Pujolá, a Spanish writer in Iceland, despite extremely high levels of depression, alcoholism, and divorces, Icelanders continue believing that their country is one of the best in the world to live in. Successful social programs, an inclusive culture, and organized societal structures are just a few reasons Icelanders find themselves so proud. With one of the lowest gender gaps in the world, closing over 90% of the gender gap, and parental leave of up to six months per parent, both men and women can fulfill their careers while spending time with their families, creating happier, more fulfilling lives.

4. Sweden

Sweden also boasts a high number of happy citizens, ranking fourth among the world's happiest countries. In a street interview conducted by Frida Waywell, a man was asked why he thought Swedes were so happy. He responded, "It's safe to live here, and I think many people in Sweden believe that the government will take care of us." Sweden ensures the well-being of its residents through various social welfare programs, such as unemployment compensation that can last up to 300 days, free or low-cost healthcare, and one of the world's best pension systems for the aging population and retirees.

The happiness of the working population is also enhanced by Sweden's legal policies. Employees are entitled to 25 days of paid time off per year, and families receive 480 days of parental leave, which can be divided into 240 days for each parent in the case of two parents.

Another Swedish woman, interviewed by Waywell, commented that her favorite thing about living in Sweden was the country's nature. With 69% of the country covered in forests and woodlands, residents have ample opportunities to spend time outdoors and exercise. One-third of Swedes go out in nature at least once a week, while 60% exercise regularly. This active lifestyle contributes to a higher-than-average life expectancy of 83.47 years.

5. Israel

Israel's ranking in fifth place for the happiest people in 2024 might be surprising to some, given the ongoing Israel-Hamas War affecting the country. However, it is important to note that the 2024 results are based on life evaluations from 2021-2023, so the war's impact has not been accurately reflected in these figures. One significant factor contributing to Israel's happiness is its strong community connections and bonds. Journalist Miriam Shaviv highlights that community is a significant factor in Israel's happiness. While many of these connections are tied to Jewish and Muslim religious groups, even secular Jews participate in weddings, ceremonies, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other important social and cultural events. Additionally, its small country size, comparable to Wales, makes it easy for people to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Shaviv also theorizes that protests in the country express concern regarding the country's future and may even strengthen the social fabric as people contemplate their collective future. Some protesters have commented on feeling increased solidarity and connection to their country, further emphasizing the value Israeli residents place on community connection, significantly contributing to their overall happiness.

Final Thoughts

The World Happiness Report reveals that happiness is multifaceted, influenced by a blend of social support, trust in institutions, community bonds, and access to nature and essential services. Finland's efficient public services, Denmark's extensive social welfare, Iceland's close-knit community, Sweden's work-life balance, and Israel's strong sense of community are all examples of how factors behind happiness can vary. Drawing upon these countries as examples, other countries and governments can gain valuable insights to enhance their happiness metrics in the future potentially.

Top 50 Countries With The Happiest People In The World