Concepts as subjective as happiness and well-being are increasingly used as indicators of human development both by governments and by different communities and organizations. For this reason, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) publishes a report every year in which it highlights which are the happiest countries in the world. This is the World Happiness Report 2016 Update , a study carried out together with Columbia University.
The report, which includes 156 countries around the world, takes into account indicators such as resources, corruption, the political system, education, the health system and the consequences of the unequal distribution of wealth and well-being in different countries. territories. Although the study is based on countries around the world, today we wanted to focus on Europe . Do you want to discover which are the happiest countries on the old continent? Well, do not miss anything that we tell you below!
Denmark
The first country in our ranking is Denmark, which also occupies the first place in the world ranking, as has happened in previous years. One of the keys to happiness in this northern European country is that it is very egalitarian . In fact, women hold 43% of the positions of responsibility in the public sector. In addition, it offers citizens a generous welfare system.
Switzerland
The second happiest country in Europe and the world is Switzerland, which last year occupied the first place in the ranking. Here you will not only find a great cultural diversity, but you will also be able to enjoy nature in its purest form, something that undoubtedly has a lot to do with the well-being of the Swiss. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that it is one of the most developed countries on the planet.
Iceland
In Iceland there are very few inhabitants, but it seems that they are tremendously happy. In fact, they rank third in the world. Its nature, composed mainly of geysers , glaciers, waterfalls and snow, may have something to do with it.
Norway
In fourth position both in Europe and in the world, we find another Nordic country. This is Norway, which, with more than five million inhabitants, has plenty of reasons to be one of the happiest countries on the planet, such as its beautiful fjords, which provide a unique landscape.
Finland
In fifth position in the world ranking we also find a European country. This is Finland, another Nordic territory where the inhabitants can enjoy spectacular landscapes. Also, do not forget that in this place it is possible to observe two incredible phenomena : the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.
Holland
The next European country in the world ranking is the Netherlands, which is in seventh position, after Canada. Also, it is important to note that the Netherlands has been rated as one of the best places to raise children in other reports, not least because of the constant learning opportunities for all ages.
Sweden
After Australia and New Zealand we find another Nordic country. This is Sweden, which is ranked 10th in the world, not least because it offers short work weeks, a sustainable lifestyle, plenty of outdoor activities and a sense of community.
Austria
Finally, we have to talk about Austria, which in the world ranking is in twelfth position, after Israel. In addition to offering spectacular natural spaces, it is a country with an important musical tradition. In fact, it is common to find shows in the middle of the street, especially in its capital, Vienna.