Since 2002, lists of the happiest countries in the world have been presented and every year this list is updated according to the changes. Also, since 2012, they announced March 20 (April 1) as the International Day of Happiness. The happiest countries in the world are the countries whose people, regardless of any problems and whether they are old or young, have the most hope for their lives and their life expectancy level is very high. In the article of Migration magazine, we discuss the happiest countries in the world and their ranking index.
The happiest countries in the world
As we said, life goes on in the happiest countries in the world and there are countries whose people are most satisfied with life. These countries have been evaluated according to the indicators of the Gallup global survey. This institute has conducted a survey of almost 1000 people in each country for various issues and after a three-year period and examining 146 countries, it has determined the ranking of the happiest countries in the world in 2024. All points are out of 10. The happiest countries in the world are:
rank | the country | Average happiness score | the continent |
1 | Finland | 7.74 | Europe |
2 | Denmark | 7.58 | Europe |
3 | Iceland | 7.53 | Europe |
4 | Sweden | 7.34 | Europe |
5 | Israel | 7.34 | Asia |
6 | Netherlands | 7.32 | Europe |
7 | Norway | 7.30 | Europe |
8 | Luxembourg | 7.12 | Europe |
9 | Switzerland | 7.06 | Europe |
10 | Australia | 7.06 | Australia |
11 | New Zealand | 7.03 | Australia |
12 | Costa Rica | 6.96 | North America |
13 | Kuwait | 6.95 | Asia |
14 | Austria | 6.91 | Europe |
15 | Canada | 6.90 | North America |
16 | Belgium | 6.89 | Europe |
17 | Ireland | 6.84 | Europe |
18 | Czech Republic | 6.82 | Europe |
19 | Lithuania | 6.82 | Europe |
20 | England | 6.75 | Europe |
21 | Slovenia | 6.74 | Europe |
22 | United Arab Emirates | 6.73 | Asia |
23 | United States of America | 6.73 | North America |
24 | Germany | 6.72 | Europe |
25 | Mexico | 6.68 | North America |
26 | Uruguay | 6.61 | South America |
27 | France | 6.61 | Europe |
28 | Saudi Arabia | 6.59 | Asia |
29 | Kosovo | 6.58 | Europe |
30 | Singapore | 6.52 | Asia |
1. Finland (the happiest country in the world)
Finland has won the first place in the list of the happiest countries in the world with a score of 7.74 out of 10. In the last 5 years, this country has been able to get the first rank of the happiest countries in the world. The happiness of Finns in simple criteria such as high standard of living, thriving cultural life, high economic prosperity, high life expectancy, freedom and gender equality, work-life balance, connection with nature, use of relaxing saunas and cycling in Nature is summed up.
The unemployment rate, crime rate in this country is very low and this country ranks fifth in the list in terms of safety and security. Finland is a land of pristine and stunning nature, and one of the reasons for the satisfaction of Finns is the connection with nature and the open space of this country. There are about 3 million saunas in this country, and going to the sauna is a daily habit and a part of the life of Finnish citizens. Also, Finland has one of the best education systems in the world without any tuition fees.
2. The country of Denmark
After Finland, Denmark ranks second with a score of 7.58 and topped the list for the sixth year in a row. The country consistently scores highly in work-life balance, senior happiness, environment, and healthcare. Denmark is one of the oldest kingdoms and countries in the world.
In this country, there are more bicycles than cars and even people, and most Danish people go to work by bicycle. Also, one of the most important reasons for the happiness of this country is having strict laws, freedom and gender equality among people. Denmark is a society where the people and the government share the benefits and wealth of this country equally and the people’s trust in the government is very high.
3. The country of Iceland
As of 2022, Iceland is the third happiest country in the world. This country has been chosen as the best country in the world for gender equality by the Institute of Economics and the most peaceful country in the world for 10 years in a row. Enchanting landscapes, low taxes, free healthcare and education, and the highest sense of social support are the reasons for this country’s high ranking. According to the world statistics that exist, Icelandic people are one of the most contented and happiest nations in Europe.
4. The country of Sweden
Sweden jumped two places from sixth to fourth place. This European country is at the top of the list of the happiest countries in the world due to its wealth, strong social network, responsible institution and government, balance between life and work, and high standards of living. This country has the longest paid vacation period. Swedes are one of the most peaceful people in the world, so the crime and violence rate in this country is very low. Also, this country has the most regular, efficient and advanced transportation system in Europe.
5. The country of Israel
It may be very surprising and controversial that Israel is at the top of the table, but for various reasons, this country was able to get the fifth rank of the happiest countries in the world with a score of 7.34. Among the reasons for this country being at the top of the list are the emotional resistance following the attack on October 7 (15 Mehr), winning the second place in the happiness of young people, a rich and vibrant country, strong social ties and having goals for life and acting on them. pointed out
6. The Netherlands
The Netherlands was able to rank 6th by decreasing one rank this year. Many people know this country for its beautiful flowers, especially tulips, which is one of the happiest countries in the world. The Netherlands is in this position because of the highest GDP, the richest country, freedom of choice, gender equality and a generous country.
It has the healthiest people and diet in the world and is the second largest exporter of vegetables. In this happy country, there are more bicycles than people, and if their bicycles do not have bells and lights, they will be fined. The Dutch government has a special focus on welfare, comfort, providing suitable housing, health and treatment services and creating job opportunities for its people.
7. The country of Norway
This country won the seventh place by a few hundredths of a point. Norway is known as one of the most prosperous and virtuous European countries. Thanks to universal health care, free college tuition, work-life balance, a strong sense of community among its citizens, and a very low crime rate, the country was able to make this ranking. During the last few years, the ranking of Norway has dropped a lot, but in 2017 it was ranked first.
The people of this country work an average of 27 hours a week. Norway is very popular even among tourists because of the northern lights. Norway ranks 11th in the list of the most peaceful countries. Another interesting fact of this country is that Norwegians read a lot and spend about 76 dollars a year on buying books.
8. The country of Luxembourg
This country, which is known as the land of castles, lakes and rolling hills, was ranked 20th about eight years ago, and since 2020, it has been among the top 10 countries in the list of the happiest countries in the world. Luxembourg is a very small country, but in terms of social connections, mental well-being, freedom in life and choice, and life expectancy, it ranks very high among people and the world. Also, this land is one of the richest countries in the world.
9. The country of Switzerland
After winning the first place in 2015, Switzerland has gradually fallen and is now in ninth place with a score of 7.06. Switzerland is a country known for happiness in the world. The features of this country include advanced infrastructure, quality education services, abundant wealth, equal distribution of resources and high standard of living. Switzerland is a completely neutral country and has not been involved in the smallest war since 1874.
10. The country of Australia
With high criteria such as high wages and salaries of people, employment rate, high level of life expectancy and stable economy, Australia ranked 10th and for the first time since 2018 reached the top 10 countries in the list of the happiest countries in the world. Strong and advanced healthcare system, low death rate and economic conditions are the most important reasons for happiness in this country.
Index criteria for measuring the happiest countries in the world
You may have a question about what indicators and criteria the Gallup Institute has chosen these countries based on. In general, the happiness of countries is measured based on several general criteria, which are:
- GDP per capita
- Strong social support
- People’s life expectancy
- Freedom of choice and equality
- Generosity of the general public
- Understanding the levels of internal and external corruption
- The happiness of young people and old people
- Life satisfaction index
- Security and safety in the country
- Level of quality of life
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