When the General Assembly of the United Nations declared March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, it considered happiness and well-being as a universal goal and desire in the lives of all people around the world. On March 20, the International Day of Happiness is celebrated all over the world, this year for the third year. Let's see which destinations still deserve the flattering title of the happiest countries.
The happiest countries in the world are described in the World Happiness Report as countries with higher life expectancy, higher gross domestic product per capita, greater social support, are more generous, have more free choice of decision-making and are less corrupt. By analyzing data, they strive to improve global social, economic and environmental conditions for a better and happier life. Let's see which 10 countries there are the happiest.
10. Australia
Australia is one of the countries where we find one of the seven natural wonders and a protected area on the UNESCO world heritage list. Great coral reef is a destination that every traveler must visit when they first visit the promised land. The reef covers an area, a lot 344,400 kilometers and includes the largest coral reef in the world. 600 continental islands, 3000 coral reefs and about 150 coastal mangrove islands are included in this area.
We can still argue that they belong residents of Wollongong among the happiest nation in the country. Bypass the area is suitable for hang gliding and golfing. Temple Nan Tien means "paradise in the south" in Chinese and is famous as the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. Try spending a day or weekend at the temple and you might just go home enlightened and happier.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Photo: Edition CNN9. Iceland
No one visits of Iceland, without swimming or soaking in the most famous lagoon Blue Lagoon. The bus sometimes offers passengers a ride there on their way to or from the airport. You can soak your body in one of the natural heated pools.
If you're up for an adventure, head to the national park Snæfellsjökull and admire the beauty of the glacier on top of the still-active volcano (although it last erupted 1,900 years ago). You will see Snæfellsjökull (Snæfell Glacier), Saxhóll, the Saxhóll volcano crater, Lóndrangar, massive lava formations and the hidden Rauðfeldargjá waterfall.
The most famous spa in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. Photo: Goista8. Austria
Music in Viennese Musikverein (Musikverein's famous golden hall) is a real pleasure for the ears and Sacher cake in the cafe Cafe Sacher it is also music for our taste buds.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Vienna, support yourself with a delicious meal in the restaurant Pogusch Country Inn, the sister restaurant of the famous Steirereck in Vienna. For more fun, book a room at the inn and relax in the country during the weekend of Austria.
The eighth happiest country can boast of a musical tradition. Photo: Edition CNN7. Finland
If you are in a hurry to Finland, you must see the "Northern Lights" and the village Santa Claus Village, which is open throughout the year. Would you like your trip to Finland to be something special? How about sleeping in a glass igloo v Kakslauttanen-u? Enjoy the northern lights and the starry sky in an igloo for two.
If you prefer a small seaside town, visit Hanko, where cycling, surfing and diving are possible especially in the warmer months.
Santa is at home in Santa Claus Village. Photo: Edition CNN6. Canada
Protection of the national park Banff (Banff National Park) is for Canada a good and smart decision, definitely worth your time and getting to know nature in the park. Take a look Jumping Lodge, to discover the first commercial ski lodge built in Canada.
If you want to go off the beaten path, consider exploring the "island of people" Haida Gwaii, once known for the Queen Charlotte Islands. Just a two-hour plane ride from Vancouver, we find countless outdoor activities and explore the history and culture of one of Canada's First Nations.
The sixth happiest country in the world is Canada. Photo: Edition CNN5. Sweden
Stockholm's Gamla Stan is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe and one of the most interesting attractions in the city. After exploring Stockholm's medieval past, stroll through the Royal National City Park, the world's first urban national park. For a more relaxed search for happiness at Sweden book a paddle through the western part of the country. National park Kosterhavet Marine National Park on the Bohuslän coast is an ideal spot for exploring. Thus, the park can be reached from many towns along the coast.
No matter where you are, be sure to take "fika", time for coffee with your new Swedish friends (fika is not something Swedes do alone). If you don't drink coffee, you can order anything else. It is a relaxing moment in society.
Medieval architecture of Stockholm's historic city center. Photo: Edition CNN4. The Netherlands
Tulips are a true icon among flowers on The Netherlands. You can admire them in the park just in full bloom Keukenhof gardens, which opened its doors on March 20, with the calendar spring. Visitors from all over Europe can go on tours of different types of tulips and other flowers. Make sure you visit the garden during its opening hours, i.e. until May 18.
For more activity than just looking at the tulips, a bicycle tour through the Dutch Flower Field is a great choice. More active travelers can cycle on the Ijsselmeer tour, which winds its way through the country. Cycle around 400 kilometers in eight days. If you don't want to just cycle for a week, they offer you a shorter trip or you can organize the tour yourself.
The Dutch paradise on earth is the Keukenhorf park. Photo: Edition CNN3. Switzerland
Switzerland is the land of mountains and thousands of lakes. Swiss town Zermatt with more than 1,600 kilometers of ski slopes in the region, it will undoubtedly delight ardent ski enthusiasts as well as serious mountaineers and hikers who will enjoy the famous Matterhorn. Even during the summer, the ski slopes welcome some world-famous ski teams for training and all those who enjoy a relaxed vacation.
For a peaceful Swiss experience, visit the village Appenzell, which has a population of 7,000. A place without cars is a special experience that also offers ideal conditions for hiking. Bathe in a whey bath or bite into a piece of Alpine cheese.
2. Norway
Norway, the land of the Vikings. Dinner in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, will bring a smile and joy to the face of every human being. Oslo is celebrating the prestigious award of six stars out of five restaurants in Norway by the Michelin food guide. Ylajali and Faunasta each received one star for the first time, while restaurants Bagatelle and Statholdergaarden each retained one star. Maeemo kept two stars.
For more nature experiences in Norway, head to the national park Dovrefjell to the mountain world, where you can spot reindeer in the mountain area that is the dividing line between southern and central Norway.
The second happiest country is Norway, with Dovrefjell National Park. Photo: Edition CNN1. Denmark
Denmark takes the top spot of the happiest country in the world in 2013. The happiest destination you must visit is definitely Tivoli Gardens. One of the oldest amusement parks opens its doors to visitors and tourists on April 10. If you prefer the capital Copenhagen, visit the King's Garden at the castle Rosenborg, a popular picnic spot that locals take advantage of during the summer.
The happiest country in the world is Denmark. Visit Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park. Photo: Edition CNNIn order to capture the Danish spirit of "hygge," which simply translates to "Danish homeliness," coziness or comfort, we recommend that you join the locals for an evening meal at their home. Organization Dine with the Danes connects tourists in Denmark with Danish families and the traditional dishes that the locals prepare for dinner. Thus, an evening meal by candlelight is almost an obligatory part of the experience in this land of happy people.
