In our blog, we intend to post interesting information about Europe that we can find out through statistics. And in this regard, why not write about the happiest countries in Europe? Although it’s an allusive concept, no one can deny that the search for happiness has been the main motive of many religions and philosophical movements.
We are all interested in happiness, whatever that means. Statistics can reflect happiness as much as any other thing. That’s why we decided to draft a piece on the five happiest countries in Europe.
What is happiness?
When we assess a country’s level of happiness, we need to consider several factors, but which factors are these? In general, the happiest countries are not necessarily the richest. People usually associate the concept of happiness with the level of safety. The safer they feel, the happier they are.
Thus, the happiest countries are those that can provide a fair amount of stability. A balance between personal safety, economic stability, and government support is vital when looking for the ideal place to live.
The UN’s World Happiness Report has established a set of variables that helps us make an objective analysis. These are studied across 150 countries, and each of them is given a score from 1 to 10. These scores are then tracked and compared across jurisdictions over time.
World Happiness Report variables by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- Social support
- GDP per capita
- Generosity
- Life expectancy
- Freedom to make choices
- Corruption perception
Countries are compared against each other, and a hypothetical nation is called Dystopia. Dystopia is a made-up country where all the parameters would be at level zero. When comparing a country with Dystopia, we can estimate how residents feel living here. It’s possible to assess the levels of satisfaction, achievement sensation, and safety that people experience. However, the parameters per se don’t have an impact on the total score of the country.
Also, some of the parameters that contribute to a population’s wellbeing can be measured with statistics. These include unemployment and crime rates, inflation history, and political stability. Next, we present a ranking put together from various internet sources. According to the data collected, we consider these the 5 happiest countries in Europe.
Top 5 happiest countries in Europe
- Austria
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Iceland
Austria scores high when it comes to social support and freedom. Despite its high level of air pollution and low-quality primary and mid-school education, 73% of Austria’s residents consider themselves happy people.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Austria has a crime rate that’s way below the average. With the Alps covering 62% of its territory, Austria offers one of the finest skiing destinations. Austria has earned first place on our list with some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes and a safe environment.
Sweden is one of the best places to live in the world. It has one of the highest healthy life expectancies, being in 13th place of the worldwide ranking.
Residents enjoy free education at both school and college levels. They can have a good life-work balance thanks to Sweden’s labor laws. Parental leaves, for example, are the longest in Europe. Both parents are entitled to a 480-day leave and 80% of their salary. This is on top of the initial maternity leave of 18 weeks. Sweden is the only country that provides paid leaves to the father as well as the mother.
Switzerland has been well-known for its neutrality throughout its history. Since it didn’t suffer the devastation of war, like its German neighbor, Switzerland is now one of the richest countries in the world. It boasts a life expectancy of 83 years, low crime rates, and high stability.
One of Switzerland’s most appealing features is its public transportation. It’s specifically designed so that every person in the country doesn’t have to walk more than 10 minutes to a public transport station.
Besides Rembrandt and Van Gogh, Holland is famous for its progressive culture and freedom to make life choices. This is a relaxed and welcoming country where there is a perfect balance between work and life. Its legendary canals, windmills, and tulip fields give the nation a unique charm that both tourists and residents can enjoy. The Netherlands was chosen the 5th happiest country in the world in 2021 by the World Happiness Report.
Iceland has been placed among the happiest countries on earth on many occasions. It’s considered to be the most equality-driven country. Despite being an isolated island with a small territory, it boasts breathtaking landscapes and fair living conditions.
People in Iceland have first-class health care for free as well as free college education. With a peaceful and safe environment, Iceland residents have one of the highest life expectancies in the world (83.52).
The country can also be a convenient business destination as it has a relatively low-income tax rate.
Final thoughts on the happiest places in Europe
While some of the parameters may vary, the European continent boasts one of the best lifestyles in the world. Although the concept of happiness may vary for every person, people tend to associate it with the feeling of safety.
The countries listed here offer this safety through government support, free education and health system, reliable public transportation, and political stability.