World's Happiest Countries Named by UN

For the second year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world.

According to the newly issued World Happiness Report (released on March 20 to coincide with the International Day of Happiness), Finland is a place that ranks above all others in such categories as well-being, income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.

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When looking at the remainder of the top ranking countries, it appears nordic destinations have something of a lock on happiness. Rounding out the top 10 were Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada and Austria.

The landmark survey of the state of global happiness ranks 156 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be.

First released in April 2012 in support of a UN high-level meeting on “Wellbeing and Happiness: Defining a New Economic Paradigm,” this is the seventh time the report has been issued.

The United States did not make it into the top rankings. It came in 19th place, dropping one spot since last year and a total of five spots since 2017. In fact, according to the study, happiness in this country has been on the decline for years now.

“The years since 2010 have not been good ones for happiness and well-being among Americans,” states the report. “Even as the United States economy improved after the end of the Great Recession in 2009, happiness among adults did not rebound to the higher levels of the 1990s, continuing a slow decline ongoing since at least 2000.”

With the exception of earning a 10th place ranking for income, the US didn't make it into the top 10 on any of the report's happiness measures. The country scored 12th place for generosity, 37th place for social support, 61st place for freedom and 42nd place for corruption.

Meanwhile those interested in visiting some of the happiest countries on Earth, now have a formal list to guide their travels.

"What better way to experience this year’s top 10 happiest countries individual flavors than by visiting and experiencing them for yourself?,” Travelzoo’s Senior Editor and Tourism Expert Gabe Saglie, told TravelPulse. “But don’t delay too long; Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are sure to experience an increase in tourism over the coming months as these countries are spotlighted.”

Saglie added that it is no surprise such countries as Austria and Finland are among the top 10.

“Aside from free health care and education, these countries have some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and landmarks,” Saglie continued.

Want some further insights about which of the happiest countries to visit? Here’s what Saglie had to say about the top-ranked destinations.

Finland

Finland has more forest per square mile than any other European country, according to Saglie.

“They have the highest environmental standards and one of the lowest threat levels, leading to both natives and immigrants alike reporting the highest happiness rankings,” Saglie added.

What’s more, year-round, Finns spend lots of time outdoors, including hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Norway

Another Nordic destination, Norway places a high priority on social equity and welfare.

“It offers absolutely beautiful landscapes and boasts some of the world’s highest prosperity indexes,” said Saglie.

As an added travel tip, Saglie noted that Norway has a lot to offer with its cities, fjords, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

“It is a safe and happy place to travel in with plenty to explore,” he said.

Denmark

A country with one of the smallest wealth gaps in the world, Denmark’s tax, health, education and welfare system lead to some of the highest living standards in the world.

“Many Danes bike to work—a daily choice that is better for their bodies and the environment,” said Saglie, noting that the country is also home to Noma, the number one ranked restaurant in the world for several years running now.

Iceland

Iceland boasts vast and diverse landscapes that captivate everyone who visits and the number of arrivals have quadrupled in recent years, said Saglie.

“In Iceland, new mothers have nine months paid leave and fathers can take three months,” said Saglie.

Home to the Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, and geysers—Iceland has some of the best Instagram spots in the world.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its leisurely pace of life, with locals preferring biking through tulip fields to cabs and subways.

“Legal cannabis and coffee shop culture in the capital, Amsterdam, is a huge tourism draw and adds to the laissez-faire happiness appeal,” said Saglie.

Travel tip: One-third of the country is below sea level, so the Dutch have raised whole territories out of the sea, including an entire province called Flevoland. They constructed gigantic sea-walls, such as Zeeland’s delta works- both of which are recognized among the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, said Saglie.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the birthplace of some of our most crucial international agencies such as the Red Cross and the UN, said Saglie.

You will also find beautiful and picturesque Alpine mountains.

“Healthy diets and physical fitness are emphasized in Switzerland, which boasts the lowest female BMIs in Europe,” he said.

Sweden

Boasting beautiful Scandinavian architecture in hip cities like Stockholm, Sweden is the seventh richest country in the world and the Swedes enjoy a very high standard of living.

“Swedes have an average of five weeks’ vacation each year,” said Saglie.

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most remote countries on the planet, home to wild and free terrain and mountain ranges perfect for exploration.

“New Zealanders attribute their happiness to a laid-back lifestyle in their secluded paradise,” said Saglie.

Canada

With its vastness, Canada offers just about every landscape and way-of-life imaginable, from snow-capped mountains to sprawling city life—not to mention all four seasons, said Saglie.

A high priority on education and social welfare has made for high life expectancy and happiness. Social resources including free healthcare and resources for immigrants to keep Canadians smiling.

Austria

Austria’s capital, Vienna, has repeatedly been rated the best city for quality of life,” said Saglie.

“Dramatic alpine landscapes and cities nestled at the bottom of mountain ranges make it a beautiful travel destination,” he added.

Work-life balance keeps Austrians happy, most full-time employees work no more than six hours a day.

Travel Tip: Home to the oldest zoo in the world is located in Vienna.