In the 2021 happiness rankings, Finland claimed the top spot as the happiest country in the world, closely trailed by Denmark and Switzerland, with Northern European nations prevailing due to robust social support systems and elevated standards of living.
The World Happiness Report, since 2002, has utilized statistical analysis to determine the happiest countries globally. In its 2021 update, Finland emerged as the world’s happiest country, based on comprehensive Gallup polling data from 149 countries over the past three years. The report’s methodology involved creating a reference point called Dystopia, representing the least happy scenario across six key categories, against which real-world countries were compared. This approach facilitated a holistic assessment, resulting in Finland topping the list for the fourth consecutive year, with an overall score of 7.842. Other Northern European countries followed suit, including Denmark (7.620), Switzerland (7.571), Iceland (7.554), the Netherlands (7.464), Norway (7.392), and Sweden (7.363). Conversely, Afghanistan ranked as the least happy country with a score of 2.523, attributed partly to low life expectancy and GDP per capita. Notably, the report preceded the Taliban’s recent takeover, indicating potential future shifts in rankings. The bottom five included Zimbabwe (3.145), Rwanda (3.415), Botswana (3.467), and Lesotho (3.512). For the complete ranking of all 149 countries.
Finland
According to the 2021 report, Finland emerged as the happiest country globally, boasting a score of 7.842 out of 10. The report attributed Finland’s top ranking to its citizens’ profound sense of communal support and mutual trust, which proved instrumental in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Finlanders expressed a strong sense of personal freedom and exhibited minimal distrust of governmental integrity, both of which significantly bolstered their overall happiness.
Denmark
The second-happiest country in the world is Denmark, with a score of 7.620. Denmark’s values for each of the six variables closely resemble those of Finland. In fact, Denmark surpasses the leader in several categories, such as GDP per capita, generosity, and perceived lack of corruption, suggesting it could potentially claim the top spot in the near future.
Switzerland
Switzerland, ranked as the third-happiest country globally, boasts a remarkable score of 7.571 out of 10. Renowned for its exceptional quality of life, Switzerland maintains one of the lowest obesity rates globally and enjoys a prolonged life expectancy. Moreover, its citizens benefit from a substantially higher median salary, approximately 75% greater than that of the United States, and claim the highest GDP per capita among the top seven nations. Switzerland fosters a strong communal spirit and holds steadfast in its conviction of being a secure and pristine nation—a fact substantiated by statistics. Alongside Iceland and Denmark, Switzerland stands out as one of the world’s safest countries.
Iceland
Iceland ranked as the fourth happiest country in the world in 2021, with a total score of 7.554. Among the top seven happiest countries globally, Iceland boasted the highest level of social support, surpassing even Finland, Norway, and Denmark, which all tied for second place. Additionally, Iceland held the second-highest generosity score among the top seven, although it ranked 11th globally in this aspect.
Netherland
Edging out Norway for the honor of being the fifth-happiest country in the world is the Netherlands (also known as Holland to many tulip lovers), boasting a score of 7.464. The Netherlands excelled in the generosity category, outperforming all other top-seven countries, and displayed an impressive lack of perceived corruption.
Norway
The citizens of sixth-place Norway (7.392) feel they are well cared for by their government, benefitting from universal healthcare and free college tuition. Norwegians also appreciate a healthy work-life balance, with an average of 38 hours per week compared to 41.5 hours per week in the United States. Furthermore, Norway boasts a low crime rate and fosters a strong sense of community among its citizens, a trait it shares.
Sweden
Seventh-place Sweden (7.363) consistently ranks among the top performers in nearly every category assessed. For instance, Sweden boasts a lack of corruption score higher than all but four countries globally (including Finland and Denmark), the fourteenth-highest GDP per capita among the 149 countries surveyed, and the fourth-highest life expectancy within the top seven nations.
Jannatul Ferdous Mim
Intern at content writing department