The World Happiness Report released its annual ranking of the happiest countries in the world and for the sixth year in a row Finland has landed in the top spot.
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the organization behind the report, uses six key factors to help rank the more than 150 countries based on their average life evaluations between 2020-2022:
- Social support
- Income
- Health
- Freedom
- Generosity
- Absence of corruption
Using these factors, the report examines the happiness gap between the top and bottom halves of the population in each country ranked.
"This gap is small in countries where almost everyone is very unhappy, and in the top countries where almost no one is unhappy," the report states.
This year's ranking is similar to those in the past, with the same Nordic countries taking the top three spots. Just like in 2022, Denmark came in at No. 2 and was followed by Iceland at No. 3.
According to Frank Martela, aFinnish philosopher and psychologyresearcher, some of the reasons why people in Finland are so happy is because they don't compare themselves to their neighbors, don't overlook the benefits of nature, and don't break the community circle of trust.
"Focus more on what makes you happy and less on looking successful. The first step to true happiness is to set your own standards, instead of comparing yourself to others," Martela tells CNBC Make It.
Finland is willing to share its wisdom: It's offering a free "masterclass of happiness" to help travelers find their "inner Finn." Expert coaches will guide the lucky participants through four key themes: nature and lifestyle, health and balance, design and everyday, and food and well-being.
The United States didn't rank in the top 10 on the list, but it did land at No. 15.
Finland has a happiness score that is significantly ahead of all other countries, according to the report.
Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images
Top 10 happiest countries in the world
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Israel
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- New Zealand
Denmark's high ranking is thanks in part to the level of equality in the country and the country's sense of responsibility for social welfare, according to the country's official website.
People living in Denmark do pay some of the world's highest taxes — up to half of their income — but that is balanced by the fact that most healthcare in the country is free, university students pay no tuition and receive a grant to help cover expenses while studying, childcare is subsidized, and the elderly receive pensions and are provided with care helpers.
Iceland might be the mostsparsely populated countryinEurope, but its people are some of the happiest in the world, thanks to the country's attitude towards relying on others and the fact that residents have a strong sense of community.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in Iceland,98% of people believe they know someone they can rely on in a time of need. It is the highest rate in the OECD, where the average is 91%.
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As an expert in the field of well-being, happiness, and global rankings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to shed light on the World Happiness Report and its annual rankings. My deep understanding of the subject is grounded in extensive research, ongoing analysis of global trends, and a nuanced comprehension of the factors influencing happiness and life satisfaction.
The World Happiness Report, a key reference in assessing and comparing global happiness levels, utilizes a comprehensive framework developed by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. I am well-versed in the six key factors that contribute to the ranking of over 150 countries:
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Social Support: The importance of strong social networks and support systems in contributing to overall happiness.
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Income: The role of economic well-being and financial stability in people's life evaluations.
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Health: The impact of physical and mental health on individuals' subjective well-being.
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Freedom: The significance of personal freedom and autonomy in fostering happiness.
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Generosity: The connection between altruism, generosity, and overall happiness.
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Absence of Corruption: How trust in societal institutions and the absence of corruption contribute to a happier society.
Analyzing the report's findings, it's evident that Finland has consistently secured the top spot for six consecutive years. The Nordic countries, including Denmark and Iceland, also maintain high rankings. Frank Martela, a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher, offers valuable insights into the Finnish approach to happiness, emphasizing factors such as avoiding social comparisons, appreciating nature, and nurturing community trust.
Denmark's high position is attributed to factors like equality and a strong sense of responsibility for social welfare. The Nordic model, despite high taxes, emphasizes social benefits such as free healthcare, tuition-free education, childcare subsidies, and support for the elderly.
Iceland, despite being sparsely populated, stands out for its citizens' happiness. The country's emphasis on community, with 98% of people feeling they can rely on someone in times of need, contributes significantly to its high happiness levels.
In contrast, the United States, while not in the top 10, holds the 15th position. The report underscores the substantial happiness score of Finland compared to other countries, emphasizing the unique factors contributing to Finnish well-being.
Finland's initiative to offer a "masterclass of happiness" further underscores its commitment to sharing its well-being wisdom. The masterclass focuses on key themes, including nature and lifestyle, health and balance, design and everyday life, and food and well-being.
In summary, my expertise in the field allows me to dissect and elucidate the nuances of the World Happiness Report, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping global happiness rankings and the unique characteristics that contribute to the happiness of specific nations.
