Which are the happiest countries in the world 2021 and did Finland manage to keep the top spot for the fourth year in a row?
For eight consecutive years, the United Nations has declared the happiest countries in the world based on various parameters and announced world happiness report. In addition to the usual criteria, this year's study also focused on the effects of the disease COVID-19 on the structure and quality of people's lives, on how governments around the world coped with the pandemic and, finally, how citizens' trust in the government affected their happiness.
149 countries took part in the survey, and residents independently determined their level of happiness. Which ones are the happiest countries in the world 2021, check below.
10. Austria
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Vienna has been leading the list of the liveliest cities in the world for the past few years, so it's no wonder that Austria is so high on the list of the happiest countries in the world. It is a country with high incomes and good social services, and Austrians give the highest priority to their way of life and the freedom to enjoy it.
9. New Zealand
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New Zealand is the only non-European country to make the top ten. Residents of this country are fascinated by the quality of life and a good balance between work and private life. In addition, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been praised for her handling of the pandemic.
8. Norway
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Norway last topped this list in 2017 and has been falling first in the rankings ever since. Still, Norwegians have nothing to complain about. Many residents of this Scandinavian country feel safe and happy with one of the world's best social security systems and a thriving economy based on the responsible management of natural resources. And of course, if you live in a country where you spend a lot of time outdoors, the extraordinary natural beauty of Norway certainly contributes to the quality of life.
7. Germany
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Germany jumped as many as ten places in one year and thus found itself among the top happiest countries in the world in 2021. Population estimates are rising in the last two surveys, and the key reasons are greater financial security and family stability. And until recently, Germans were mostly satisfied with how the country's leaders were handling the pandemic.
6. Sweden
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Although Sweden ranks lower this year than in previous years, its education system and world-leading practices, including generous parental leave and free preschools, still make it one of the best countries in the world to live, work and raise a family.
5. The Netherlands
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The Netherlands is a country that, especially in this part of Europe, is considered synonymous with happiness. Their children are considered the happiest in the world, and this clearly carries over into adulthood. Quality of life, safety and health come first in this country.
4. Switzerland
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The Swiss governance system is different from the rest of the world. With regular referendums on key issues, the Swiss are heavily involved in decision-making and this seems to be directly related to their level of happiness and satisfaction. In addition, Switzerland is a land of wonderful natural beauty, where you really live well.
3. Denmark
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The standard of living, education, culture and good salaries are the reasons why Denmark has always been known as a good country for a quality life. People are smiling and helpful, progressive and friendly, and so happy that it's already stressful.
2. Iceland
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Iceland clearly provides more than enough for its residents. After the financial crisis of 2007, which had a particularly strong impact on this country, they "turned the tables" in their economy, agriculture and public administration. The people there are also happy because of the natural beauty, which regularly offers them an escape to "another planet".
1. Finland
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Finland is at the top of the list of the happiest countries in the world for the fourth year in a row, so we can conclude that the Finns have really discovered the secret of happiness. In addition to having one of the best education systems in the world, they are also helped by the fact that they have a high income and a well-developed culture of self-sufficiency. Trust in the government also played a big role this year. Indeed, Finland also ranks highly in terms of mutual trust between citizens and the government, which ultimately helped protect lives and preserve jobs during the pandemic.
What about Slovenia? Slovenia ranked among 149 countries 29th place, after ranking 33rd in last year's report. The most unhappy country in the world is this year Afghanistan.
One of the report's authors highlighted the fact that, on average, there was no decline in well-being when people were asked to rate their lives. According to him, the reason lies in increased solidarity and compassion, as people see the new coronavirus as a common threat that affects everyone.
Researchers also believe that we should learn from the pandemic that people should strive for well-being and not for wealth!
