A recent study from the Copenhagen-based Happiness Research Institute (whose existence is probably reason enough for a top spot) narrows down Denmark’s happiness to a number of different categories, including trust in the government, economic security, freedom, civil participation, and work-life balance.Įndorphin-boosting travel tip: Socioeconomic factors aside, the country’s happiness certainly comes in part from a respect for the planet it’s built on. The country rates near the top in all the reported metrics-life expectancy, social support, and generosity among them-but it is also a country hugely committed to renewable energy production ( 39.1 percent of its energy was wind-generated in 2014). Creative Iceland offers a deal like this in Reykjavik, while Viator has an option in the fishing town of Hofn.ĭenmark remained in the number two spot this year. Tap into that close-knit culture by joining an Icelandic family for a homemade meal, which you can easily do through several tour companies. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that they can always escape the city to a countryside that looks like another planet.Įndorphin-boosting travel tip: In a small country like Iceland, it’s easy to socialize with your friends and family-a huge contributing factor to overall happiness. You’d think that the perpetual flood of American tourists into Reykjavik might have dealt a blow to the residents’ happiness-it’s got to be a little harder to get that dinner reservation than it used to be, after all-but when it comes to well-being, the Icelanders are unfazed. This perhaps became most obvious in the wake of the country's post-2007 financial collapse and subsequent revitalization. Iceland ranks high in terms of the proportion of respondents who said they felt like they had a fellow citizen to count on when the going gets rough. The Swiss are known to be insular, and it can be off-putting to first-time visitors, but there is a strong social fabric held together by a belief that every voice matters, which can go a long way toward feeling content.Įndorphin-boosting travel tip: According to a research from University College London, eating small amounts of dark chocolate can lead to a significant decrease in depressive symptoms-and where better in the world to shop around for chocolate than Switzerland? Try the 99 percent cocoa bar at the Teuscher HQ in Zurich, or hop on a train to Broc to visit the renowned Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory and shop. This system of direct democracy means that Swiss citizens feel an unparalleled sense of participation in their country’s evolution. Switzerland (which dropped one spot this year) is a country where everything is voted on, from how many vacation days workers should have to how many immigrants should be allowed into the country, and referendums down to the local level happen many times a year. (we’re fans of Café Pascal and Green Rabbit) to easily join the locals in this daily tradition. Just stop by any one of Stockholm’s excellent cafes around 11 a.m. Swedes apply lagom to everything from wardrobe to diet, but the most tourist-friendly way to enjoy this lifestyle is to join in fika-a designated time of day to slow down and be in the present, usually with a hot cup of coffee and baked good. Basically, an emphasis on work-life balance leads to a happier populace.Įndorphin-boosting travel tip: Lagom is a way of life in Sweden (similar to hygge in Denmark), something that’s hard to translate but basically boils down to balance and moderation. #INDEX OF LIFE ON TOP FREE#An emphasis on social equality that is built into the education system starting in kindergarten, 16 months of paid family leave that can be split between a couple after a new child is welcomed into a family, and free day care also make Sweden the best country for women, according to a separate study. Still, it remains one of the happiest countries in the world thanks in large part to a high GDP per capita. Sweden had the highest number of COVID-related deaths among all the Nordic countries, which may account for its drop from the 6th to the 7th spot this year.
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