This blog post was updated on May 5, 2023.
Giddy, jovial, ecstatic, joyous… there are many words we use to describe that elated feeling you get when your heart feels light and not a thing around you seems to be bad or wrong (and even if it does, your contentment is so vast that it doesn’t even phase you). We’re talking about that feeling you get when you’ve scored cheap international flights, or get a free meal, or see puppy dogs or babies playing… yep, you know what we mean!
Believe it or not, there are many places around the world where happiness is abundant and people feel it all the time! Here’s a look at the ten happiest places in the world of 2017!
Norway
This year, Norway jumped from fourth to first place on the list of happiest countries in the world. This Scandinavian country boasts mountains, glaciers, and deep coastal fjords and is known for its stupendous fishing, hiking, and skiing.
Denmark
After a four-year run at the top of the list, Denmark stands in the number two spot on this list of all-smiles countries. This country’s constant spot at the top can be attributed to innumerable reasons such as a long life expectancy rate, enviable welfare system, medieval core of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses… just to name a few!
Iceland
For the second year in a row, the land of the famous Blue Lagoon takes on the number three in this top ten list. A firm favorite with travelers, cheap international flights to get there from anywhere in the world are plentiful for curious joy seekers. From free higher education to being ranked the most peaceful country on the Global Peace Index, there’s no question as to why Iceland makes it to this list!
Switzerland
At number four, we can think of quite a few reasons why Switzerland made it to this list. Forget the lush forests and glorious landscapes, but the multilingual nature and world-class education system alone are reasons enough for this nation to be in the top five, year after year!
Finland
Scenic view of Market Square at Helsinki’s Old Town pier
From epic stretches of wilderness to inspirational design and technology, and ranked one of the highest on the Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index for quality of life, Finland has quite a few reasons for being among the top five happiest countries.
Netherlands
Beyond its thriving biking culture and breathtaking landscapes, the Netherlands is also known for being home to some of the happiest people in the world. A whopping 80% of the nation’s people have said that they are very happy!
Canada
Niagara falls, a bustling metropolis, and a country brimming with diversity, our neighbors to the north make the list at lucky number 7. Oh Canada (you rock) from east to western sea!
New Zealand
In his book entitled Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams described his reaction to New Zealand‘s landscapes as “one’s first impulse, standing on a cliff top surveying it all, is simply to burst into spontaneous applause.” No wonder people here are happy!
Australia
Australia makes this list for more reasons than just its geographic coolness — it’s also home to the Great Barrier Reef, kangaroos and one of the best GDPs in this world!
Sweden
Rounding out the list, this Scandinavian country takes the tenth and last spot on our (and the world’s) list. Fresh air, over a dozen islands, royal palaces, and vast boreal forests and glacial mountains are just the tips of the iceberg when it comes to reasons why Sweden takes the last slice of the happiness pie.
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