The World Happiness Index Report for 2024 revealed Finland topping the list for the seventh consecutive time.
Nordic or Northern Europe and the North Atlantic countries like Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, and Norway have also been seen on the top ten list of WHR for several years.
But why these Nordic countries are topping the list consecutively? Let’s find out their secret recipe for happiness:
Trust: According to the WHR report, Trust is linked to life satisfaction. Nordic people have a high level of trust both for their official institution and private behaviour.
Freedom: Nordic country citizens prosper in a well-functioning democracy with liberal values and personal and political freedom, boosting their happiness.
Social cohesion: Nordic people live in a closed community bond resulting in good social relations with a focus on the greater good.
No social inequalities: In comparison to other countries, Nordic nations have strong welfare systems and hence social inequalities play a minor role in defining the happiness of people.
No income inequality: Income inequality disappears in Nordic countries as their income is controlled by GDP per capita and living in a highly developed welfare state changes their perception of income inequality.
Quality in the system: Their government quality is defined by democratic and delivery quality. Here, the government makes sure of better rules, corruption control, etc.
Best welfare benefits: Nordic people have the best welfare benefits including healthcare, education, unemployment, etc., and even their labour market is controlled to minimize employee exploitation.