Happiness is quite a tough thing to measure. When it comes to measuring happiness of countries, it gets even tougher. According to World Happiness Report 2019, a study from the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Finland is again the happiest country in the world.

Intriguingly, 8 out of the 10 happiest countries in the world are from Europe. Only New Zealand & Canada are the non European countries that made it to the top 10. India was placed among the bottom of the ladder occupying 140th spot on the list of 156 countries.

There was a survey conducted in about 156 countries, asking the residents to rate their happiness on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst and best is 10. As per the reports, the factors necessary for evaluating happiness are: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), life expectancy, social support, freedom, corruption and generosity.

Out of the 156 countries surveyed, below listed are the best ten of all.

So, let’s find out the happiest countries and their measurement on the Cantril’s Ladder

1. Finland : 7.769

At number one comes Finland. The citizens of the country voted highest for the happiness criteria. According to the reports of California State University, San Diego, immigrants in Finland were provided immense support in assembling themselves and were also taught the Finnish language immediately. This makes the country top the list.

2. Denmark : 7.600

In this country people enjoy high quality services with high taxes. This colourful country takes well care of the elders, disable people and the kids too. This country provides certain schemes to all the age groups for their social well-being.

3. Norway : 7.554

As per the survey in The Nation, Norway strongly believes in democracy and equality. Due to this, the result is more of job satisfaction, less of income incongruity along with a level of equality between men and women.

4. Iceland : 7.494

This European country is very sparsely populated and still is at number four, beating other countries. It is an exciting mix of both traditional and modern culture. The geothermal heating activity makes Iceland one of the greenest country.

5. Netherlands : 7.488

This is the country which feeds millions of people outside its borders due their large farms. According to the National Public Radio, the country’s commitment towards agriculture has generated a greener way to life. People of Netherlands have notably welcomed immigrants from other nations.

6. Switzerland : 7.480

What’s more enchanting than the majestic Alps and the Swiss chocolate! Yes Switzerland ranks at the sixth position due their efficient government rules ranging from local to national, making their citizens happier. This country ranks high in housing, security, income and work life, as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index.

Sweden : 7.343

The taxes here may be high, but this country provides free healthcare and education facilities to its residents. People here are mostly happy and smiling. Citizens of Sweden believe in the spirit of lagom, which means usage of a word with no English counterpart.

8. New Zealand : 7.307

New Zealand is one of the most developed countries in the world, blessed with natural beauty and peaceful life. It is one of the most well governed countries with a small population. People here are found exploring the nature with zeal. New Zealand accepts immigrants whole-heartedly and has a thriving economy.  

9. Canada : 7.278

Canada has been ranked consistently in the top ten happiest countries list from the very first report published. Residents here have access to good life, healthy work-life harmony and free healthcare, which is the country’s priority.

10. Austria : 7.246

About 85 percent of citizens here are well educated with a secondary schooling or a higher degree. This makes unemployment level very low in this country. People here vote energetically and never miss the opportunity, that’s the reason Austria comes in this top ten happiest countries list.

Apart from these best ten, United Kingdom jumped up four spots higher from last survey and landed at the 15th position followed by United States at 19th, a position lower than that from last list.

The report suggests that happiness is more about the character of life a country offer to its people rather than culture and belief. Another aspect that was found out during the research was the effect of technology. People using more digital devices were less happy than those who limited the use.

John Helliwell, economist from University of British Columbia, was the one who co-edited the report. He said, “ The happiest countries in the world also have the happiest immigrants.”