What are the main factors that determine the happiness of a nation? The better life index released from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development or OECD reveals the happiest places on Earth. This report is based on several factors including education, employment, life satisfaction, income, health, and the environment. Here the list of 10 happiest countries in the world..
The life satisfaction score reflects how people of a country evaluate their life. Its value ranges from 0 to 10.
10 Netherlands, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.4
The Dutch are one of most satisfied people in the world. The 75% of Dutch who aged between 15 and 64 have a job. The average household income in the Netherlands is US$25493. It is actually the amount of money left after all types of taxes. It is an important indicator of standard of living of a country. The Dutch also finds education as an important part of life and the literacy rate in the Netherlands is 99%.
The Dutch people also maintain a great work-life balance to keep the happiness within the family. Only a few percentage people work for long hours in the Netherlands. Both working men and women in the Netherlands find enough time to complete their domestic work and for childcare.
You can see a strong social network between Dutch people. They don’t hesitate to help other people. This strong support between Dutch people also limits the population of isolated people in the society. The average life expectancy of Dutch people is 81 years. The country has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe.
9 Sweden, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.4
Sweden is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. The transparent government is one of the key factors for the well-being of citizens. Sweden also has high voters turnout of 85%. It indicates the majority of Swedes trust their government. In case of employment, the 74% of Swedes who aged between 15-64 have a paid job. Sweden also has a high disposable income of US$23047. It represents the better life standard of Swedes.
The number of people who worked for long hours is very less in Sweden. It ensures a better work-life balance and Swedish parents get enough time for childcare. They have a literacy rate of 99%. The compulsory system to a secondary language other than Swedish promises better language skills to the students.
Stockholm, The capital of Sweden is the first green capital in Europe. The city renowned for its large number of public green areas. The Swedes also have access to high purity water all throughout the country. The average life expectancy of Swedes is 82 years. The government spends 9% of nation’s GDP ( US$558.9 Billion) on health care very year to provide good health care services to the people.
Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries In The World 2016
8 Finland, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.4
The smarter education system, cheaper health care, strong social network and better working conditions make Finland as one of the happiest countries in the world. Unlike other developed countries, the school hours are much shorter in Finland. But they provide a smart educational system, excellent student-teacher ratios and well-being service for all children. The 83% of Finns have qualified with university level degrees.
Finland has an average employment rate of 70%. The Finns earned a disposable income of US$25739 a year. They invest a major part of their earnings for education and training. It develops better skill and provide great job opportunities for people.
The well-educated Finns are also very friendly. They maintain a strong connection between each other in the society. The Finns like to involve in public services and to help other people. Undoubtedly it maintains a positive atmosphere in the society.
The Finns also maintain an appreciative gender equality in the country. The 40% seats of Finnish government are occupied by women. Finland also has a very low rate of maternal death and provide exceptionally well mother and child care. It makes Finland to one of the best places to be a mother. Finns are also one of the most healthiest people in the world. The average life expectancy of Finns is 81 years.
7 Australia, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.4
With GDP of US$1.5 trillion Australia is one of largest economic powers in the world. The 72% of Australians who aged between 15 and 64 have a job. The disposable income of Australians is US$31197 a year. It represents Australians maintain a higher living standard. Australians also face a very low risk of losing their job.
The 74% percentage of Australians qualified with a high school level degree. They also ranked in top level reading, science programs, and maths. The world-class education system in Australia also attracts the foreigners to the country. The ‘school to work’ program in Australian schools let the students develop working skill before they finish their degree. Such programs in Australia not only open a world of opportunities but also built a productive workforce.
Australia is also home to a number of natural wonders. The great barrier reef in Queensland is the largest coral system on Earth. This 2300 km long coral reef system can even see from space. Every year this natural wonder generates over US$3 billion for the Australian government. Besides this the beautiful beaches, pink colored lakes, and world amazing national parks make Australia to an amazing country to visit and live.
Australia has a voter turnout of 93% and it indicates the high civic engagement in the country. The openness of Australian government also ensures the well-being of citizens. Australians are very much satisfied with their life.
They maintain a good relationship with the other people. They also believe that there is always someone to give any kind of support for them. The average life expectancy of Australians is 82 years. The majority of Australians are also satisfied with the quality of water.
6 Iceland, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.5
Iceland is rich, beautiful, peaceful and world class educational system. So there is no wonder why this country has one of the happiest people on Earth. Iceland has a high working population, 80% of Icelanders have a paid job. The employment rate of women is also much higher in Iceland, over 79%. But the Icelanders maintain a perfect work-life balance so that their daily life becomes less stressful.
Iceland also has a well-educated population. The university degree is so cheap in Iceland. The students only have to pay the registration fee only. The high-quality education maintains to keep the literacy rate of the country to 100%. Icelanders are also top performers at reading and science and math based programs.
The crime rate in Iceland is very low. It plays an important role in the well-being of citizens. They treat the prisoners in an entirely different way. The prisoners get lots of encouragement from officers to develop themselves. They can also do paid work. This method inspires the prisoners to lead a good life in their rest of the life.
Iceland is also a better place to be a woman. The country has the remarkable rate in gender equality. You can see the presence of women in all major sections like politics, employment and education. The first female president in Europe also from Iceland. Vigdis Finnbogadottir became the first female president of Iceland in 1980.
The average life expectancy of Icelanders is 82 years. Iceland has a good environment to live in, has only low pollution rate. The infant mortality rate in Iceland is also very low. There is also a well-organized health care and excellent doctor-patient ratio in Iceland.
5 Austria, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.5
Safety is an important factor that defines the happiness of citizens in a country. In that way, Austria is the best place to live in. The country has very low crime rate. The girls can securely travel in Austria at any time. Austria is also known for the cleanliness and beautiful landscapes.
The employment rate in Austria is 73%. Even the full-time workers find time for socializing, childcare and to enjoy their won hobbies. The Austrians also get enough holidays in a year to enjoy their life. They are one of most relaxed citizens in the world.
More than 82% of Austrians are qualified with a high school equivalent degree. The universities in Austria also have a good reputation. The students in Austria also get a great discount for a number of world-class concerts.
Austria is rich in culture. Vienna, The capital of Austria is known for its historic architecture and music concerts. The city is also consistently ranked as the most livable city in the world by considering the quality of life. Austria also offers cheap access to operas and museums.
Austria is remarkably clean and tidy place. The pollution rate in Austria is also low. There is also strict recycling law in the country to protect the environment. The Austrians are also satisfied with the quality of air, water and parks. The public transport system in Austria is also efficient and clean.
The average life expectancy of Austrians is 82 years. The country has an extensive network of hospitals and high population of doctors. All citizens of Austria get free access to basic health care. The emergency services in Austria are also very efficient.
4 Denmark, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.6
Denmark consistently ranked in top levels in many measures including security, trust, health, wealth, and education. Trust is the main factor that makes the Danes one of the happiest people in the world. The Danes maintain a high level of trust between each other. They give more importance to relationships than money.
The strong social network also keeps away the stress and bring more opportunities to their daily life. Danes are not too ambitious. They have a great sense of human equality.
The government has a great influence on the well-being of citizens. Denmark has much transparent government and has a remarkable voter turnout of 88%. The Danes have the right to access undisclosed information under freedom of information law. Unsurprisingly Denmark also ranks among places with greater gender equality.
Even on working days the Danes involve in socializing, childcare, domestic work and their own hobbies. It keeps away depression and anxiety from their daily life. ‘Hygge’ is a Danish term for the social gathering. Danes believe that Hygge create a positive atmosphere and bring happiness. They found winter season as a perfect time for Hygge. During the winter season, Danes gather together at parks, beaches and streets.
Copenhagen, The capital city of Denmark is one of the greenest cities in the world. The majority of the residents in the city chooses cycles or walking to reach their home or office. The Copenhagen also has remarkable bicycle routes. They also follow a number of environmental policies to make the city carbon-neutral by the year 2025.
The taxes are very high in Denmark. But the government offers free health care services and education for citizens. The government also provides remarkable benefits and support for unemployed people.
3 Canada, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.6
Compared to other North American countries Canadians enjoy more positive experiences and life satisfaction. The country has high a disposable income of US$30000. It indicates the higher living standards of Canadians. More than 70% of Canadians owns their own home and automobiles. They follow a perfect work-life to make their daily life less stressful and to involve in domestic works.
Canadians never fear much about the robbery and other threat from the criminals. Because the rate of crime and homicide in Canada is very low. In case of emergency, they will also get immediate support from police and medical care services.
The Canada is also one of least corrupt countries in the world. The government authorities in Canada are committed to finding new programs for the development of the country and for the well-being of the citizens. The Canadian government also provide great support for citizens in case of unemployment and health issues.
Canada is also home to world-class educational institutions. The country has a literacy rate of 99%. They also provide exceptional language training for students. The affordable and extraordinary educational system in Canada also attracts foreigners from around the world.
There is no age discrimination in Canada. The citizens under 65 get same job opportunities in the country. Another important factor that makes Canada so popular is nothing but its natural beauty. The country is home to many wilderness areas, natural reserves, thousands of provincial parks and 42 national parks. The great abundance of trees across the country also maintains the quality of air.
2 Norway, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.7
Undoubtedly Norway is one of the greatest places in the world. Norway ranks in top level among the happiest, safest, healthiest and well-educated countries. The unemployment rate in Norway is just 3.4% and personal earnings are much higher. The working population on full-time contracts will get five weeks of holidays every year. In that way, Norwegians follow an outstanding standard of living.
There is extremely low criminal and incarceration rate in Norway. It is also one of the least corrupt countries in the world. The Norwegian Government committed to providing equal benefits to everyone in the society. The older and disabled people will also get health insurance and pension from the government.
More than 82% of Norwegians are qualified with a high school level degree. The school system in Norway is inexpensive and exceptional in quality. Every educational institution in Norway also has a student welfare organization.
Norway is also known for its natural beauty. The country is home to thousands of lakes, many wilderness areas, breathtaking fjords and unspoiled beaches. The Lofoten archipelago in Norway also offers a spectacular view of Northern lights. The ‘allemannsrett’ or ‘freedom to roam law’ in Norway lets anyone to tent or hike in all uncultivated areas in the country.
The average life expectancy of Norwegians is 81 years. The majority of hospitals in Norway are public hospitals. All citizens get free basic medical services. The health care system in Norway also demands no fee for treatment related to pregnancy.
1 Switzerland, Life Satisfaction Score : 7.8
The small and beautiful Switzerland is home to the happiest people on Earth. The country is economically very strong and has a much transparent government. The unemployment rate of Switzerland is just 2.9%. The working citizens also get high wages in the country. At the same time, the taxes are very low in Switzerland.
The majority of Swiss citizens don’t work for long hours. They spend with family members, friends, involve in child care and their own hobbies on weekends and evenings. They also enjoy sports activities on a daily basis. It makes the Swiss citizen fit and energetic.
The crime rate in Switzerland is extremely low. It is very safe to roam across the country at any time you like. Thus, Switzerland is one of the best places for women to live in. The Swiss cities are also clean and tidy.
In Switzerland, 86% of adults are qualities with a high school equivalent degree. All educational institutions in Switzerland are relatively cheap and good in quality. The Swiss government also offers a scholarship for international students. The Swiss citizens are also top in innovation, job training, and productivity.
Switzerland also has an extensive network of hospitals and excellent doctor-patient ratio. It is not a tax based service and the patients have to pay themselves through health insurance schemes. Unsurprisingly the Swiss citizens are one of the healthiest people in the world. The average life expectancy of Swiss is 83 years. The majority of citizens are also satisfied with water and air quality in the country.
