Denmark Regains Title of 'World's Happiest Country'
Denmark has reclaimed its position as the world’s happiest country, according to the annual World Happiness Report. The report, which ranks 157 countries based on factors such as equality, GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, perceptions of corruption, and freedom to make life choices, placed Denmark at the top spot, beating Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Finland.
The study is led by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative from the United Nations, and evaluates how people feel about their own lives on a scale from 0 to 10. Denmark’s total happiness score reached 7.526, surpassing Switzerland, which had been last year’s winner. Denmark's success is particularly notable as the country had previously topped the report in 2013 and was in third place in 2018.
The country’s high ranking can be attributed to several key factors:
- High Life Expectancy: Denmark boasts an average life expectancy of 80 years, well above the global average of 71.
- Strong Economy: The nation’s GDP per capita stands at $44,916, ranking 17th in the world.
- Excellent Welfare System: Denmark's free, tax-financed healthcare and robust social safety nets contribute to an equitable society with one of the smallest wealth gaps globally.
Despite its famously cold winters and historical Viking past, Denmark continues to score highly on social support and equality, essential elements that contribute to its consistent ranking as one of the happiest nations. Some have even suggested that Danes may be genetically predisposed to greater happiness, with research from the University of Warwick in 2014 indicating that countries genetically closer to Denmark reported higher levels of wellbeing.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Burundi was rated the least happy country, with a happiness score of 2.905. It was followed by Syria, Togo, Afghanistan, and Benin. Bulgaria was the lowest-ranked European country at 129th, while Greece and Portugal also performed poorly, ranking at 99th and 94th, respectively.
While Britain fell to 23rd place, dropping two positions compared to last year, the United States improved slightly, rising two places to 16th.
Denmark’s victory demonstrates the powerful impact of social systems that prioritize health, welfare, and equality, while also highlighting how factors like life expectancy and GDP play crucial roles in determining national happiness.
