The 2023 World Happiness Report has been released, offering insights into global well-being. Despite global challenges like increasing costs of living and ongoing conflicts, the United States maintains its position among the world’s happiest nations.
This report analyzes data over a three-year period, from 2020 to 2022. The rankings are based on several weighted variables:
- Life expectancy
- GDP
- Freedom
- Trust
- Social support
- Generosity
Let’s explore the 20 countries that earned the highest rankings in the World Happiness Report:
1. Finland
For an impressive sixth consecutive year, Finland has secured the top position as the happiest country globally according to the report.
It earned a very high happiness index value of 7.8, positioning it significantly ahead of other Nordic countries included in the ranking.
This consistent performance highlights strong underlying factors contributing to Finnish well-being.
2. Denmark
Coming in at a close second place, Denmark registered a happiness index value of 7.59. Similar to top-ranked Finland, residents in Denmark benefit from notably low crime rates and low levels of corruption.
Other crucial factors contributing to Denmark’s high happiness rating include a strong sense of equality among its population and the presence of robust social welfare systems.
3. Iceland
Just slightly below Denmark, Iceland ranked third among the happiest countries, holding a happiness index value of 7.53.
While its climate might present challenges as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” residents enjoy various factors that contribute to their higher-than-average happiness. Key among these are significant levels of freedom and trust within the country.
4. Israel
Ranking fourth with a happiness index value of 7.47, Israel’s position might be unexpected to some given the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, the country performed particularly well in the social support category. Unlike many other nations where technology dominates social interactions, Israelis emphasize a strong face-to-face social culture with a considerable focus on family and religious bonding.
5. Netherlands
This country continues to enjoy a high ranking on the World Happiness Report, securing the fifth position with a happiness index value of 7.4.
Residents in the Netherlands reported experiencing good employee satisfaction. Furthermore, the Dutch indicated that they have high levels of social, well-being, and mental health support available to them.
6. Sweden
Almost perfectly tied with the Netherlands, with only a minimal 0.008 difference in their happiness index values, Sweden holds the sixth spot.
Living in Sweden comes with distinct advantages, such as free education and healthcare, which are not universally available in many other countries.
Swedes also have reason to feel positive about the future, particularly due to the country’s cutting-edge advances in technology and pharmacy.
7. Norway
Clocking in at seventh place with a happiness index value of 7.32, Norway’s residents benefit from several contributing factors.
Norwegians report high life expectancies. They also experience large amounts of freedom and live in a generous culture.
Additionally, residents expressed satisfaction with their social support systems and the economic growth their country is experiencing.
8. Switzerland
Known for its high level of organization, cleanliness, and punctuality, Switzerland ranked eighth with a happiness index value of 7.24.
Swiss residents frequently praise their country’s efficiency. They also enjoy high levels of freedom and report feeling well-supported by their social circles.
9. Luxembourg
Despite its relatively small geographical size, Luxembourg’s residents demonstrate a high level of happiness, earning the country the ninth position with a happiness index rating of 7.23.
Significant factors contributing to Luxembourg securing a spot in the top ten include its strong material life conditions and high levels of financial satisfaction among residents.
10. New Zealand
Breaking the pattern of European dominance in the top spots, New Zealand secured the tenth position with a happiness index of 7.12. This placed it just above neighboring Australia.
A strong feeling of social support, encompassing both government-provided systems and personal connections, was a highly ranked category for New Zealand, helping it make it into the coveted top ten happiest countries.
11. Austria
With a happiness index of 7.1, Austria is recognized for having a friendly and helpful culture.
A potential factor contributing to the happiness of Austrians is the generous amount of vacation time they receive; by law, full-time employees are entitled to five weeks of annual paid leave.
12. Australia
Following closely behind Austria, with a happiness index only 0.002 less, Australia ranked twelfth. Similar to Austria, Australians reported having an excellent work-life balance.
This balance allows them more time to socialize with family and friends and to engage in the activities they love.
13. Canada
Ranked thirteenth by the World Happiness Report, Canada achieved a happiness index of 6.96. A major reason cited for Canada’s high ranking is its characteristic as a “Common-Interest State”.
This means Canada is particularly good at bringing its citizens together, which contributes significantly to high levels of life satisfaction among Canadians.
14. Ireland
Ireland holds a happiness index ranking of 6.91. While stereotypes might point to other reasons, the primary factors contributing to the happiness of the Irish population include their satisfaction with their standard of living.
Additionally, strong family bonds are highlighted as another significant reason why Irish residents report being jolly or happy.
15. United States
The United States came in fifteenth place in the World Happiness Report this year, with a happiness index only 0.017 points below Ireland’s ranking.
Americans are described as being notorious for having bubbling, outgoing personalities. Key factors contributing to the U.S. securing a spot in the top 20 happiest countries include its strong GDP and the promotion of living the “American dream”.
16. Germany
Nearly tied with the U.S., having a happiness index only 0.002 lower, Germany is ranked sixteenth. Several factors contribute to Germany’s position, including access to healthcare and good education.
Furthermore, residents have opportunities to participate in a variety of different hobbies and sports groups.
17. Belgium
Belgium is a familiar face in the top 20 happiest countries, ranking seventeenth this year with a happiness index of 6.86.
Data indicates that overall happiness levels among Belgians have remained relatively steady compared to before the pandemic.
However, the report notes a discernible growing generational gap in happiness within Belgium, with younger adults aged 18 to 34 reporting lower happiness levels compared to older age groups.
18. Czechia
Also recognized as the Czech Republic, Czechia holds a happiness index of 6.85. The country scores particularly high for safety and places an emphasis on residents taking time to relax.
Czech residents also benefit from a high standard of living, which is available at a relatively affordable cost when compared to many other nations on this list.
19. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) achieved the nineteenth spot in the rankings with a happiness index of 6.8.
While often stereotyped, the straightforward nature of the British population is suggested as possibly contributing to mental well-being by reducing ambiguity in social interactions. UK residents also benefit significantly from having a universal healthcare system.
20. Lithuania
Making a notable entry into the top 20, Lithuania secured the twentieth spot with a happiness index of 6.8.
Lithuania has demonstrated remarkable progress in the happiness rankings, climbing significantly from 52nd place in 2017 to 20th place in the 2023 report.
A strong economic outlook and the country successfully finding its rhythm and identity following the post-1990 transition appear to be contributing factors to this positive shift in national happiness.
Lithuania is the only new country to enter the top 20 this year, taking the place of France, which dropped to 21st.
Alicia Richards