Happiness is a universal concept but also deeply personal. For some, it’s daydreaming with a cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday morning. For others, it’s staying healthy, feeling connected, or fulfilling a meaningful purpose. And for many, it’s the restless pursuit of a life that has it all.
But when it comes to measuring happiness on a national level, things get more structured and that’s where the World Happiness Report comes in.
Published annually, the World Happiness Report ranks countries based on how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. This ranking (on a scale from 1 to 10) uses six key factors: social support, GDP per capita (economic strength), healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
What’s fascinating is that the top 10 happiest countries always include Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. But why? If you ask me, I could never be happy in such a cold climate.
Top 20 countries in 2024 (Ladder score from 1 to 10)
Here are a few reasons:
Strong Social Systems: Nordic countries invest heavily in social welfare — things like universal healthcare, free or affordable education, and strong unemployment benefits. This reduces anxiety about basic survival and gives people more freedom to pursue meaningful work or personal goals.
Work-Life Balance: These countries emphasize balance over hustle. Shorter workweeks, generous parental leave, and vacation time contribute to less burnout and better mental health.
Trust in Institutions: There’s a high level of trust in the government and public services. People believe their taxes are used wisely, and corruption is low. That sense of fairness creates societal stability.
Sense of Community: Community support is a big deal. People feel connected and supported — not just by friends and family, but by society at large.
Nature and Simplicity: Northern countries are rich in natural beauty, and their citizens often engage in outdoor activities. There’s a cultural value placed on “simple pleasures” like walking in nature, cozy evenings indoors, or spending time with loved ones — the Danish concept of hygge.
Happiness isn’t about being cheerful all the time — it’s about having a life that feels safe, supported, and meaningful. The northern countries seem to have cracked the code, not through wealth alone, but through balance, trust, collective care, and “hygge.”
While the top ten stay the same most years, two (tropical) countries unexpectedly made their way into the top ten in 2024: Costa Rica at number 6 and Mexico at 10.
Curious to see the list? Take a look at the World Happiness Report for 2024, and leave me a comment — I’d love to know what happiness means to you.
Interesting that the US is ranked 24th while we often hear Americans saying that our country is the best in the world. Good food for thought.
It definitely challenges the idea of being “the best” — and what happiness really means. That said, ranking 24th out of 147 countries is still top tier globally. Thanks for commenting, Cata!