Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World in 2022

According to the latest World Happiness Report, the people of Switzerland are among the happiest in the world, ranking 4th overall. Finland tops the list, followed by Denmark and Iceland. The top eight positions are dominated by European countries. After Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Norway follow closely. The United States ranks 16th. Switzerland scores highly in quality of life, boasting one of the longest life expectancies with an average of 83.7 years. Additionally, it is one of the world's most competitive financial centers, admired globally not only for its political and social stability but also for its strong economy, maintaining an AAA credit rating, which reassures investors. Switzerland consistently leads global rankings, such as in the 2021 Global Innovation Index, ranks second in the 2021 Smart City Index, and seventh in the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index. It is also ranked as the third most admired country in Latin America.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Netherlands demonstrated remarkable resilience against the virus and the associated changes. While the country saw a slight dip in its ranking in 2020, it managed to recover and hold steady in 5th place since 2021. This year, it scored 7.415 out of 10, thanks to high satisfaction levels in areas such as job satisfaction, social support, mental health, and overall well-being. The Netherlands also excelled in generosity, GDP per capita, social support, and corruption indices, making it one of the least corrupt European nations, alongside Finland and Denmark.

The Netherlands has a strong economy, a high sense of individual freedom, and low corruption awareness. Interestingly, the country saw higher happiness levels among older individuals, with those over 60 reporting even more happiness than younger people. Researchers found that 97.6% of Dutch respondents felt peaceful with their lives, while 86.9% felt their life aspects were balanced. The Netherlands has maintained a highly selective education system at least since 1968.

Luxembourg ranks as the 6th happiest country in the world today. It offers an exceptional quality of life for both locals and expatriates. With a strong international character and a long history of welcoming foreign residents, Luxembourg is an excellent place to live, raise a family, and build an international career.

Luxembourg ranks first globally in GDP per capita, which significantly contributes to its high happiness ranking among the world’s top 10 happiest countries. It also places 10th in terms of personal freedom and 12th in life expectancy out of 146 countries surveyed. Luxembourg is ranked 33rd in social support (the perception of citizens regarding whether they can rely on family and friends during tough times) and 34th in generosity, measured by the percentage of people donating to charities. However, in terms of corruption, Luxembourg ranks 130th.

The Scandinavian country dropped one spot from last year to 7th place, but its score actually improved slightly, rising to 7.384 points from 7.363 in 2021. The World Happiness Report notes that Sweden had the highest number of COVID-19 deaths among its Nordic neighbors, which may have affected trust in institutions among its citizens. Nonetheless, Sweden continues to score highly for social support, life expectancy, and the freedom to choose one's life path, alongside its abundant natural resources, explaining why it remains a top contender.

Swedes don't chase unrealistic standards. Overworking is discouraged, and people genuinely make time to enjoy life with family and friends. There’s no need to wait until the weekend to visit the park. The country is characterized by a strong middle class, with a greater sense of social equality. People don't flaunt their wealth, and as a result, when everyone is nearly equal, there’s no pressure to constantly outdo others. If you work in Sweden, you’re entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per year, and when a couple has a child, they are granted around 15 months of paid parental leave.

Known for its stunning coastline, fjords, picturesque lakes, and magical northern lights, Norway holds the 8th spot in the 2022 World Happiness Ranking. With a high GDP per capita, universal healthcare, and excellent educational opportunities (public education is free for all students regardless of nationality), it’s clear why Norwegians have little to complain about. Norway consistently ranks highly in global quality of life surveys, including the World Happiness Report.

Working conditions in Norway are very favorable: it's difficult to be fired, and everyone is entitled to 5 weeks of paid vacation. In the unfortunate event of unemployment, the country offers one of the most generous unemployment benefits in the world. With shorter workweeks, ample paid leave, job security, and a real focus on work-life balance, Norway has alleviated much of the stress that people in other countries experience with their careers. Whether it’s due to quality public services or the ability to check the amount of taxes someone is paying, Norwegians genuinely seem happy to pay their taxes. Although not perfect, the national healthcare system is very accessible, and the cost of treatment for patients is capped at around $300 per year, regardless of their condition.

Israel ranks 9th in the World Happiness Report for the 10th consecutive year, climbing from 12th place last year to its highest ranking ever. Israel now sits just one point behind Norway and has surpassed New Zealand. The country has steadily improved its happiness ranking over the past two years, moving up from 14th in 2020 and 11th last year. Despite ongoing military conflicts along its borders, Israel has scored highly in life satisfaction, economic stability, health, social support, and generosity.

Israel is one of the wealthiest, freest, and best-educated nations, with a life expectancy higher than that of Germany or the Netherlands. What stands out most is the Israeli people's love for life and their strong aversion to death. While oil-rich Saudi Arabia ranks 171st in the global quality of life index, Israel shares a ranking with Singapore in this regard. This high happiness level may be attributed to the country's warm climate, beautiful beaches, stunning hills and valleys, and fascinating historical sites. Whether you want to live fully in Tel Aviv, visit wineries in Galilee, bathe in the Dead Sea, or enjoy meals laden with mezze, Israel offers countless ideal ways to experience life.

New Zealand dropped from 9th place last year to 10th place in 2022. The country’s natural beauty, high quality of life, and easy access to outdoor activities remain strong advantages. New Zealand offers an excellent work-life balance, with parks and cycling trails within easy reach even in larger cities. The relaxed lifestyle and year-round pleasant climate encourage outdoor living, making it easy to enjoy nature. Furthermore, New Zealand had one of the lowest COVID-19 infection and death rates globally last year, contributing to a high level of institutional trust.

The people of New Zealand are known for their friendly and upbeat nature, likely due to the relatively relaxed lifestyle, political stability, and high safety levels. This great work-life balance also allows them more time to explore the breathtaking landscapes around them, which plays a key role in their happiness. If you’ve been living under a rock, New Zealand is truly a paradise on Earth when it comes to nature. Across the country, you’ll find pristine wilderness, towering mountains, secluded coves, golden sand beaches, tranquil lakes, and mist-covered fjords – all seemingly straight out of a fairy tale.

For the fifth consecutive year, Finland has claimed the title of the world’s happiest country. Despite the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 affecting the entire Nordic region, the 5.5 million people in Finland continue to remain optimistic about their government’s performance and their healthy lifestyle. Finland continues to top the World Happiness Report with a score of 7.821 out of 10, thanks to factors such as consistently high GDP per capita, strong social support policies, long life expectancy, and the people’s generous spirit.

With abundant natural resources, including beaches, lakes, islands, and forests, it’s no surprise that Finland ensures its citizens live in happiness. It’s also a popular destination for millions of visitors eager to experience the Finnish way of life.

For a long time, Denmark held the top spot as the happiest country in the world. Although it has now dropped to second place, there are still many reasons contributing to its consistently high rank, including a stable government, free education and healthcare, and a strong respect for human rights. Additionally, with its relatively small size, residents can easily access its natural wonders, which are plentiful. From sandy beaches to windy islands and deep blue lakes, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy the present moment.

Denmark is known for its high level of social equality and a shared sense of responsibility for societal welfare. While there are nine major political parties in Denmark, none seriously advocate for dismantling the country’s welfare state. People in Denmark pay some of the highest taxes in the world, with nearly half of their income going toward taxes. Additionally, a 25% value-added tax is levied on most goods, and taxes on new cars can reach as high as 150%. However, most Danes will tell you they are happy to pay taxes because they can clearly see the benefits they receive in return.

Iceland ranks as the 3rd happiest country in the world with a total score of 7.557. The long winters and harsh weather can make living conditions challenging, but the people of Iceland are incredibly joyful and optimistic. The country has one of the lowest crime rates, a high standard of living, free access to quality education (with a literacy rate of an impressive 99%), and low unemployment, which has now returned to pre-pandemic levels, all contributing to the positive outlook of Icelanders.

The stunning natural beauty of Iceland also has a profound impact on its people's lives. Majestic volcanoes, glaciers, moss-covered fields, breathtaking waterfalls, hot springs, and fjords are part of everyday life in Iceland. Icelanders are like one big family, often distantly related. It's so common that the government provides a resource for locals to check if they are related before they start dating! Icelanders have a strong sense of community, and this extends to the immigrant population. 10% of Iceland's population is foreign-born, but they report happiness levels similar to native Icelanders.