2024 Happiest Countries in The World to Live

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

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In a world of never-ending change and societal progress, pursuing pleasure remains a fundamental aspect of human life. Happiness is a multifaceted concept that covers financial success, social harmony, environmental circumstances, and overall well-being. The global goal of understanding and analyzing happiness has become a significant activity, culminating in developing a measure that ranks countries based on their happiness levels and general living conditions.

Understanding what influences happiness as a whole is essential before learning about the happiest nations. Economic indicators such as GDP per capita are important, but they are not the only ones. The World Happiness Report evaluates a wide range of factors, such as views of corruption, social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and also a mental health ranking by country.

Happiness indices are often higher in countries that place a great emphasis on social welfare, inclusion, strong social relationships, and opportunities for both personal and professional progress. Furthermore, high levels of citizen satisfaction are frequently observed in nations with advanced healthcare, education, and governance systems.

According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, the top 20 countries with the highest levels of happiness are:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Israel
6. Netherlands
7. Norway
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Australia
11. New Zealand
12. Costa Rica
13. Kuwait
14. Austria
15. Canada
16. Belgium
17. Ireland
18. Czechia
19. Lithuania
20. United Kingdom

Source: The World Happiness Report 2024

Here are the breakdown of top 10 countries.

1. Finland:

According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Finland consistently secures the top spot as the happiest country globally. This achievement is attributed to the close-knit relationships among its citizens and their strong sense of community. Finland stands out for offering its people significant freedom and autonomy, contributing to an enriched lifestyle. The Finnish government prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens by establishing robust safety nets.

2. Denmark:

Close to Finland, Denmark holds the second position worldwide in terms of happiness, as per the findings of the World Happiness Report. The joyfulness evident in Denmark is largely attributed to its comprehensive social welfare system, emblematic of the Scandinavian ethos towards societal well-being. In Denmark, individuals benefit from generous parental leave, healthcare coverage, educational support, and aid with childcare expenses. These provisions serve as the primary drivers behind Denmark’s notable contentment levels.

3. Iceland:

Not only is Iceland, known as the “Land of Fire and Ice”, a happy country, but it also leads the way in advancing gender equality and safety. Having a thriving economy, low levels of corruption, a caring atmosphere, easily available education, and a strong sense of community, Icelanders have many reasons to be happy. Their sense of enjoyment is further increased by the everyday spectacle of seeing some of the most amazing natural occurrences in the world. 

4. Sweden:

Sweden, with its strong institution and long-standing stability, is ranked fourth among the World’s happiest countries. Its people feel safe and included because they have a great deal of faith in the government and social support networks. Supported by an extensive welfare system and a dedication to work-life balance, Swedish society fosters happiness.

5. Israel:

In 2024, despite facing difficulties, Israel ascended five ranks. Liberations, links to family, prosperity, and a vibrant cultural legacy are valued highly throughout the country as a whole. Happiness is influenced by strong familial ties and the capacity to live the life one desires. Affluence, first-rate medical care, and superior education all contribute to well-being. A range of indicators, including social, individual, and economic ones, are examined by the World Happiness Report and related indices to determine the degree of happiness worldwide.

6. Netherlands:

The Netherlands is the sixth happiest country in the world, as per the World Happiness Report. The country offers advanced social services and infrastructure, which deliver universal access to healthcare, education, and basic utilities. The Dutch citizens experience a comforting way of life with a strong healthcare framework, extensive cycling networks, and a rich cultural environment.

7. Norway:

Norway ranks seventh among the happiest nations in the world. Norway’s remarkable natural beauty and concentration on outdoor activities, which promote wellbeing, may also contribute to the country’s contentment. Furthermore, Norway, with its high income and low inequality, guarantees its residents financial stability.

8. Luxembourg:

Luxembourg, a small yet autonomous state, distinguishes out for its unique identity. Listed as the eighth happiest country in the world, it fosters unity in society and a strong sense of oneness among its citizens. Rich in material well-being and opportunities, Luxembourg boasts an exceptionally high GDP per capita. Being among the richest nations on earth, it balances economic growth with social progress and inclusivity. It is a desirable refuge for people seeking happiness and serenity because of its diverse population, excellent living conditions, and dedication to sustainable growth.

9. Switzerland:

Switzerland, which is ranked ninth on the list of happiest countries in the world, is a model of harmony and collaboration and provides one of the most beautiful and comfortable living conditions on the planet. The beautiful environment of Switzerland perfectly combines a high level of life with economic development  Encouraging balance between both work and pleasure, protecting the environment, and being actively involved in the community all contribute to the development of a harmonious community where people may thrive in all aspects. Its effectiveness in fostering unity in society and trust– two essential elements of happiness. Switzerland’s attractiveness as a desirable location to live is further enhanced by its noteworthy per capita income and high life expectancy.

10. Australia:

Australia has been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world in the latest World Happiness Report 2024. The nation's excellent healthcare system, breathtaking natural surroundings, and high standard of living are some of the reasons for its honor. The people's happiness is further enhanced by the country's strong economy, low crime rate, and stable political approach. Additionally, Australia's multicultural culture promotes diversity and inclusivity, improving the well-being of its citizens as a whole.

In a Nutshell

For the seventh consecutive year, Finland maintains its position as the happiest country globally in the 2024 release of the World Happiness Report. Following Finland are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, and the Netherlands, as revealed in the annual study unveiled on March 20, 2024, Wednesday. This survey evaluates nations based on the subjective happiness levels reported by their residents. interestingly, the top 10 rankings are largely occupied by European nations such as Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Norway. It is worth noting that the research conducted in Israel occurred amid the events of October 7, 2023, before the subsequent escalation of the conflict, as per the report.

Australia secured the tenth position, making it the sole non-Eurpoen country among the top ten in 2024, alongside Israel. The United States experienced a significant decline, dropping from 15th to 23rd place in the rankings this year, while the United Kingdom slipped one spot to 20th place compared to the previous year.

To summarize, the 2024 ranking of the world’s happiest countries is the outcome of a combination of elements that improve the well-being of their citizens these factors include strong healthcare systems, beautiful scenery, growing economy, low crime rates, political stability, and diverse societies. The unique combination of these factors influences the general happiness of each country’s population.