Top 10 Countries with Highest Quality of Life and Happiness in the World

Iceland is an island country in Europe under a republican parliamentary system. Iceland is situated near the Arctic Circle, so it has a very cold climate. However, the country is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, so there are many volcanoes, hot springs, and enormous geothermal sources. Iceland also has many glaciers. Thanks to the nearby Gulf Stream, Iceland's climate is somewhat mild. Iceland is also known as the 'Land of Fire and Ice.'

The history of Iceland began in 874 when a Norwegian chieftain named Ingólfur Arnarson settled on the island. Over the next century, Norwegians and Celts came to live in Iceland. The country was a part of Norway and Denmark from 1262-1944.

After gaining independence, the national economy of Iceland developed strongly, along with a world-class social welfare system. The country ranks 5th in the world in terms of per capita income and 1st in the Human Development Index (HDI). With a market economy, Iceland has highly developed service and financial sectors. Due to its unique natural landscapes, Iceland is increasingly attracting international tourists. Iceland is a member of organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, EFTA, EEA, OECD but is not part of the European Union.

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Geographically, New Zealand comprises two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, along with about 600 smaller islands.

New Zealand lies about 2000 km east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and about 1,000 km south of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Due to its remote location, New Zealand is among the last lands to be settled by humans. During this prolonged isolation, New Zealand maintained a diverse ecosystem with many endemic species of animals, fungi, and plants. The country's diverse terrain and sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, were formed from the mountain-building process and volcanic eruptions. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, while the most populous city is Auckland.

Polynesians settled in New Zealand between 1250–1300 AD and developed the distinctive Maori culture. In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first European to discover New Zealand. By 1840, representatives of the British Crown and the Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi, proclaiming British sovereignty over the islands.

New Zealand became a colony of the British Empire in 1841 and a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire in 1907. New Zealand gained independence in 1947, though the head of state remains the British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II). Today, the majority of New Zealand's 4.8 million population have European ancestry, with Maori being the largest indigenous minority, followed by people of Asian and Pacific Island descent. The official languages are English and New Zealand Sign Language, with English predominating. The wool export industry once dominated New Zealand's economy, but today exports include dairy products, meat, and wine, along with increasing importance in tourism.

The island nation of Palau, officially known as the Republic of Palau, lies in the Western Pacific Ocean. Referred to as an archipelago, it comprises nearly 250 islands forming a cluster west of the Caroline Islands, covering an area of approximately 466 km2, situated in the Micronesia region.

Palau's maritime borders are adjacent to Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Federated States of Micronesia. When visiting Palau, you'll be greeted by stunning natural landscapes featuring limestone islands, volcanoes, primeval forests, and vast coral reefs—a breathtaking gift bestowed by Mother Nature upon this beautiful island nation.

Palau, or the Republic of Palau, is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 800 km east of the Philippines and 3,200 km south of Japan. This island nation is comprised of 328 islands, with a population of 20.9 thousand people (as of 2008). Since its inception, the country has maintained only a police force, equipped with small arms to ensure domestic security. Under the Compact of Free Association, the United States is responsible for providing military assistance to the nation.

Tuvalu, also known as the Ellice Islands, is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, situated between Hawaii and Australia. Tuvalu's territory comprises submerged coral reefs and islands, with dense forests covering only about 26 km² (approximately 10 square miles), ranking fourth among the world's smallest countries and territories, after Vatican City (0.44 km²), Monaco (1.95 km²), and Nauru (21 km²).

Based on historical records, scientists have proven that Polynesians were the first inhabitants of Tuvalu. By the late 19th century, Tuvalu came under colonial rule. For a considerable period (1892-1916), it was placed under British protection.

In 1916, a portion of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands became a British colony. By 1974, the inhabitants of this archipelago voted to split the territory into two regions: the Gilbert Islands became the independent nation of Kiribati, and the Tuvalu islands remained under British dependency. In 1978, Tuvalu joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

Tuvalu, also known as the Ellice Islands, is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, situated between Hawaii and Australia. Tuvalu's territory comprises submerged coral reefs and islands, with dense forests covering only about 26 km², ranking fourth among the world's smallest countries and territories, after Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru. Since its establishment, this island nation has had no military forces. However, a police force and maritime surveillance units have been established to maintain domestic security.

Portugal is a country located in the southwestern part of Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, the westernmost tip of the European continent. Portugal is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, and by Spain to the east and north. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean also fall under Portuguese administration.

On the territory of present-day Portugal, humans have been present since prehistoric times. Ancient peoples such as the Gallaeci, Lusitanians, Celts, Cynetes, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, ancient Romans, and Germanic tribes like the Suebi, Buri, and Visigoths have all left their mark on the history of modern-day Portuguese territory.

The territory of Portugal was once incorporated into the Roman Empire as the province of Lusitania. Roman culture left a profound imprint, especially in language: the Portuguese language originates from the Latin of the Romans. In the 5th century, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes invaded. In the early 8th century, the Moors, followers of Islam from North Africa, launched the conquest of Lusitania, nearly taking over the entire Iberian Peninsula, subjugating the Germanic petty kingdoms under Islam.

In the subsequent centuries, Christian forces attempted to drive out the Muslims in the 'Reconquista.' The kingdom of Portugal was established and became part of the Kingdom of Galicia. With the kingdom established, recognized in 1143 and with stable borders in 1249, Portugal claims to be the oldest nation-state in Europe.

The Kingdom of Denmark is a country in Northern Europe with a population of only 5.7 million people. Denmark is one of the world's oldest continuous monarchies, with Queen Margrethe continuing a tradition dating back over 1000 years to the time of the Vikings.

Denmark has produced many famous painters, writers, and poets who draw inspiration from the country's nature and culture. Among them is Hans Christian Andersen, the author of fairy tales such as 'The Little Mermaid,' 'The Ugly Duckling,' 'The Nightingale,' and numerous others. When visiting Denmark, you can experience a rich artistic heritage, a glorious history, and a majestic and diverse nature that permeates the lives of its people.

Denmark ranks very high in national productivity and its citizens enjoy a very high standard of living. The country is known for its excellent social welfare system and has consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world in cross-national happiness studies. Denmark has demonstrated that economic growth and building a green society can coexist. It has a long tradition of sustainable environmental protection, renewable and clean energy, and progressive climate policies. All of these factors have positioned Denmark as a leader in this field. However, Denmark continues to take action towards global climate goals and improving the sustainability of Danish society.

The Republic of Nauru is a country located on the island of the same name in the Western Pacific with a population of 14,000 people, declaring independence in 1968. Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world with a total area of 21 km², and it is the only country in the world without an official capital city. Australia is responsible for protecting this island nation in case of danger. However, Nauru still maintains its own armed police force to ensure security.

After Micronesian and Polynesian settlers inhabited Nauru, the island was annexed by the German Empire and declared a colony in the late 19th century. After World War I, Nauru became a mandated territory of the League of Nations administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

During World War II, Nauru was occupied by the Japanese military. After the war, the island once again became a mandated territory. Nauru gained independence in 1968. Nauru is a phosphate rock island, rich in near-surface resources, making it easy to mine.

The island still holds some phosphate reserves, but they are no longer economically viable to exploit. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nauru had the highest per capita income among sovereign nations.

The Solomon Islands is an island nation of Melanesia, located east of Papua New Guinea, comprising nearly a thousand small islands spread over an area of about 28,400 km². The country has been without a military since 2003, when Australian-led peacekeeping forces were sent to the country under the 'Helping Hand Mission' to establish peace and disarm armed ethnic factions.

The Solomon Islands maintains only a paramilitary force until a severe ethnic conflict, in which Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific countries intervened to restore law and order.

The Solomon Islands is a large island nation located east of Papua New Guinea and consists of many islands: Choiseul, Shortland Islands; New Georgia Island; Santa Isabel; Russell Islands; Nggela (Florida Islands); Malaita; Guadalcanal; Sikaiana; Maramasike; Ulawa; Uki; Makira (San Cristobal); Santa Ana; Rennell and Bellona; Santa Cruz Islands and three distant islands, Tikopia, Anuta, and Fatutaka. The furthest distance between islands to the west and east is about 1,500 kilometers (930 mi). The Santa Cruz Islands (Tikopia is a part of it) are located north of Vanuatu and are very isolated with a distance of about 200 kilometers (120 mi) from other islands. Bougainville is geographically part of the Solomon Islands but politically belongs to Papua New Guinea.

Geographically, the Czech Republic is located in Central Europe, but according to the United Nations classification, the country belongs to Eastern Europe. In terms of history and culture, the Czech Republic is considered to have closer ties to Eastern European countries, especially during the Cold War era.

The area of the Czech Republic is relatively small, ranking 115th in the world. The total area of ​​this country is 78,886 km², of which land occupies 77,276 km² and water occupies 1,590 km². Surrounded by other countries, the Czech Republic does not have a coastline. It shares a border of 1,881 km with Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the southeast, and Austria to the south.

In terms of history, the territory of the Czech Republic can be divided into 3 historical regions: Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. Note that Silesia only has a small part of the territory in the Czech Republic. The geography of this country can be divided into 2 main regions: Bohemia in the west and Moravia in the east. The geography of Bohemia resembles a basin, consisting of vast plains and plateaus surrounded by low mountain ranges.

The main mountain ranges surrounding Bohemia include the Karkonosze and Sudeten ranges. The Snezka peak in Bohemia is the highest mountain in the Czech Republic (1602 m). While the geography of Bohemia is relatively flat, the geography of Moravia is predominantly hilly. The Czech Republic is also the source of many major rivers in Europe such as the Elbe River, Vltava River in Bohemia, and Morava River in Moravia. The rivers of this country flow into different seas such as the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Black Sea.

Slovakia is a country located in Central Europe, bordering Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. The capital and largest city of Slovakia is Bratislava. The country covers an area of ​​about 49,000 square kilometers (19,000 square miles) and has a population of approximately 5.4 million people.

Slovakia is a landlocked country, and its terrain is characterized by mountainous regions, with the Carpathian Mountains dominating the landscape. The highest point in Slovakia is the Gerlachovský štít peak in the High Tatras, standing at 2,655 meters (8,711 feet) above sea level. The country is known for its medieval towns, castles, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant folk traditions.