The International Day of Happiness, last Friday, was the perfect time to be reminded that Denmark is the happiest country on Earth, according to the most recent United Nations happiness study available. It is closely followed by Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and even Iceland. Canada and Australia are the only non-European contestants in this lucky cluster of happy nations. What they all have in common is a robust combination of higher life expectancy, GPD per capita, social support, generosity, freedom to make life choices and lower perceptions of corruption. By analyzing happiness data, officials hope to improve the world’s social, economic and environmental well-being. The UN recognizes the relevance of “happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.” Stay tuned for the next happiness report, due out next month.
Happiness? Go Scandinavia!
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