According to the world happiness index, the World Happiness Report is an indicator of global happiness. The rankings are based on reports of respondents’ assessments of their own lives, and articles on national happiness are included. The report also compares other elements that influence (quality of) life.

With the world entering the third year of the pandemic, the report has three areas of focus in 2022: looking back; looking at how people and countries are doing in the face of Covid-19 and looking ahead to how the science of well-being is likely to evolve in the future.

Finland

There is a saying in Finland that has gone around for a long time: Being born in Finland is like winning the jackpot, which we can definitely agree with!

Finland was crowned the happiest nation in the world for the fifth consecutive year! Thanks to low crime rates, a beautiful natural environment, and a strong sense of community and cooperation, this Scandi country has plenty to smile about. If you want to visit the happiest country in the world take a look at our incredible Lapland experience.

Denmark

It’s hard not to have one of the happiest populations in the world when everyone in your country trusts each other. Trust is an essential value in Danish culture, perhaps due to the Nordic economic model of the region, where the government, businesses, and people need to trust each other to do what’s best. It also helps that it is home to stunning scenery, clean air and beaches, culture, and a fantastic quality of life.

Switzerland

Coming in third, Switzerland is not only one of the happiest countries out there but it is home to one of the longest-living populations in the study with an average life expectancy of 83.70 years. The beer may be expensive but all that delicious fondue, chocolate, and fresh mountain air must be doing something right!

Iceland

Just like wealth, happiness is evenly distributed throughout the majority of the population in Iceland. There is no great divide between the well-being of those with the most and with the least. This equality makes Icelanders some of the most satisfied people in the world. Iceland is also the country with the narrowest gender gap in the world, where it is now illegal to pay women less than men for the same job.

Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a favorable living environment with an exceptional quality of life. Furthermore, it is the country with the best work-life balance, according to the OECD Better Life Index. The quality of life in the Netherlands is an important factor in the country’s business climate and thereby contributes to attracting foreign companies!

The good news: This year’s report found remarkable worldwide growth in all three acts of kindness monitored in the Gallup World Poll. “Helping strangers, volunteering, and donations in 2021 were strongly up in every part of the world!. If you like the look of any of the above countries mentioned here check out our bespoke page. We’ll plan your ideal holiday from start to finish, taking the burden of planning off of you!

Written by Lucy Kaufmann, Untravelled Paths