Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World 2023 Updated List
by Maivizhi A
Updated Mar 21, 2023
Happiest Countries in the World 2023
Despite the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the war in Ukraine and worldwide inflation, 2022 was characterized by multiple global crises. However, the 2023 World Happiness Report indicates that human determination to achieve happiness has been remarkably strong. The report reveals that global satisfaction levels are as high as those observed in the pre-pandemic era, drawing on survey data collected from individuals in over 150 nations. Finland secured the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, with a happiness score substantially higher than all other countries.
How do you Determine if People are Happy?
The process of assessing people's happiness involves several steps. The World Happiness Report primarily relies on life evaluations collected through the Gallup World Poll. This report quantifies six essential variables, including income (GDP per capita), social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption. The most commonly used question to evaluate people's well-being is: "Overall, how satisfied are you with your life these days?" Individuals are required to rate their satisfaction on a scale of 0-10, with 0 meaning "completely dissatisfied" and 10 meaning "completely satisfied."
Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World 2023
Here are the Top 10 Happiest countries in the World 2023.
S.No
Countries
1
Finland
2
Denmark
3
Iceland
4
Israel
5
Netherlands
6
Sweden
7
Norway
8
Switzerland
9
Luxumbourg
10
New Zealand
Here, we have updated the brief of the above top 10 happiest countries.
1. Finland
Located in Northern Europe, Finland shares borders with Russia, Sweden, and Norway. The country's capital, Helsinki, is situated on a peninsula and surrounded by several nearby islands in the Baltic Sea. Among the many attractions in Helsinki are the 18th-century coastal castle of Suomenlinna, the trendy Design District, and various museums. In addition to these, the Arctic Lapland province of Finland, which features expansive wilderness areas, national parks, and ski resorts, offers a chance to witness the Northern Lights.
2. Denmark
Denmark is a Nordic nation comprising the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands. The Öresund bridge connects it to nearby Sweden. Copenhagen, the capital city, features renowned landmarks such as royal palaces, the bustling Nyhavn port, the popular Tivoli amusement park, and the iconic "Little Mermaid" statue. Odense, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen, boasts a historic center with charming cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.
3. Iceland
Iceland, a Nordic island country, is characterized by its breathtaking landscape, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. The Vatnajökull and Snaefellsjökull national parks safeguard enormous glaciers. Reykjavik, the capital city, is home to the majority of the population, and it is powered by geothermal energy. It is also where visitors can find the National and Saga museums, which document Iceland's Viking history.
4. Israel
Israel, a Middle Eastern country situated on the Mediterranean Sea, is deemed the biblical Holy Land by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The holiest sites are located in Jerusalem, particularly within the Temple Mount complex in the Old City, which encompasses the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock monument, the Western Wall, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Tel Aviv, the financial hub of Israel, is known for its Bauhaus architecture and beautiful beaches.
5. Netherlands
The flat landscape of the Netherlands, a country in northwest Europe, is renowned for its canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital city, is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the house where Anne Frank, a Jewish diarist, took refuge during World War II. Many canalside houses from the city's "Golden Period" in the 17th century, along with a collection of artwork by Rembrandt and Vermeer, have survived until today.
6. Sweden
With tens of thousands of inland lakes, glaciated mountains, and coastal islands, Sweden is a Scandinavian nation. Its major cities include Stockholm, the largest city and capital situated in the east, as well as the coastal cities of Gothenburg and Malmö. Stockholm comprises 14 islands, and features over 50 bridges, along with medieval Gamla Stan, royal palaces, museums, and outdoor attractions such as Skansen.
7. Norway
Norway, a Scandinavian country, boasts mountains, glaciers, and a vast coastline of fjords. The city of Oslo, known for its parks and museums, is the capital. The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo displays preserved Viking ships. Bergen, with its colorful wooden buildings, serves as the starting point for cruises to the stunning Sognefjord. Hiking, skiing, and fishing, especially in the Olympic ski resort in Lillehammer, are very popular activities in Norway.
8. Switzerland
A nation located in Central Europe, Switzerland is characterized by its hilly terrain, numerous lakes, and the towering Alps. Medieval neighborhoods are present in many of its cities, such as the Zytglogge clock tower in Bern, the capital, and the wooden chapel bridge in Lucerne. Switzerland is famous for its hiking trails and ski resorts, and its key industries include banking and finance. Internationally renowned Swiss products include watches and chocolate.
9. Luxembourg
Luxembourg, a small European nation, shares borders with Belgium, France, and Germany. The country is predominantly rural and features rocky gorges in the Mullerthal region to the east, the Moselle river valley in the southeast, and extensive Ardennes woodland and nature parks to the north. Luxembourg City, the capital, is home to an iconic medieval old town that is situated on sheer cliffs and heavily guarded.
10. New Zealand
New Zealand is a country located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, along with approximately 700 smaller islands. The country covers a total area of 268,021 square kilometres, making it the sixth-largest island nation in the world. The North Island and the South Island are separated by the Cook Strait, which is approximately 22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point. The terrain of New Zealand is diverse, with mountain ranges, glaciers, beaches, and fjords all present throughout the country. The country is known for its unique wildlife, such as the kiwi bird, and its natural wonders, such as the geothermal activity in Rotorua and the stunning Milford Sound in the South Island.
Which is the Happiest Country in the World 2023?
Finland consistently ranks high in global happiness surveys due to various factors such as social support, freedom to make life choices, high life expectancy, and a generous welfare system. Finnish society places great importance on equality and fairness, which are reflected in their policies and practices. Additionally, the country's beautiful natural surroundings, which are easily accessible and well-preserved, offer opportunities for outdoor activities and promote a healthy lifestyle. The Finnish education system is also world-renowned, providing equal opportunities for all students and emphasizing creativity and critical thinking. These factors contribute to the overall well-being of the Finnish people and contribute to their happiness.
Conclusion
Finland has maintained its position at the top of the World Happiness Report for the sixth year in a row, while much of the top 10 has remained largely unchanged. Denmark secured the second spot and Iceland took third place. Israel made one of the biggest jumps in the rankings, moving up five places to fourth from last year. Austria and Australia took 11th and 12th positions respectively, followed by Canada, which rose two places to 13th after last year's record low ranking of 11th happiest. Ireland was ranked 14th happiest, followed by the United States (15th), Germany (16th), Belgium (17th), Czechia (18th), the United Kingdom (19th), and Lithuania (20th). The top 20 countries are often consistent year after year, with 19 of this year's top 20 also featuring on the list last year. The only exception was Lithuania, which has steadily climbed from 52nd in 2017 to 20th this year. However, France fell out of the top 20 to 21st in this year's report. It is sad that India fell and took the 126th position while it was in the 125th position last year.
Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World 2023 - FAQs
The World Happiness Report is an annual publication that evaluates global happiness levels based on various factors such as income, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption.
Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year due to various factors, such as its high social support, a healthy life expectancy, and freedom to make life choices.
The key factors that determine a country's happiness level are income (GDP per capita), social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption. These variables are assessed through surveys and other quantitative methods to determine the well-being of individuals in a given country.
Living in a happy country can have several benefits, such as having access to good health care, a strong social support system, and a stable economy.
The other countries in the top 10 happiest countries in the world 2023, besides Finland, are Denmark, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and New Zealand.