Where the happiest people on earth live. The happiest people on earth

Norway is the happiest country in the world this year, overtaking Denmark for first place in a happiness survey. It would seem that such an ephemeral substance as happiness can not only be evaluated, but also measured by a number of completely precise parameters.

The oil-rich, fjord-rich country ranked first in the UN's 2017 World Happiness Report, up from fourth in last year's rankings.

The top ten included 7 states of Europe, including 5 Scandinavian countries.

“Norway climbed to the top of the rankings despite the decline in oil prices,” the report says. “It is sometimes said that Norway secures and maintains its high bar of happiness not because of its oil wealth, but in spite of it.”

And there is a reasonable explanation for this: “By choosing not the fastest pace in the process of oil production, Norway prefers to invest the funds received in the future, rather than spending them in the present. In this way, Norway shielded itself from the volatility of rising and falling prices, which affects many other countries rich in natural resources. Successful completion of tasks requires a high level of mutual trust, commonality of purpose, generosity and good management - all factors that help to keep Norway and a number of other countries in the happiness rankings.”

The least happy of the 155 countries studied by the authors of the report are sub-Saharan Africa, along with Syria and Yemen. Countries were rated according to parameters such as duration healthy life, freedom of choice, employment opportunities, social security, lack of corruption in government and business. This is the fifth annual report on happiness published by the United Nations.

What makes countries happy?

“Happy countries are those that have a healthy, positive balance of prosperity, as it is conventionally measured, and social capital. This means a high degree of trust in society, a low level of inequality and trust in the government,” said Jeffrey Sachs, director of the UDSN and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, in an interview.

A well-known economist said that the United States is falling in the rankings (now ranked 14th) due to inequality, distrust, corruption and economic measures that the administration of President Donald Trump intends to use. According to him, people expect the worst.

“These measures are aimed at increasing inequality - cutting taxes on the top, abolishing mandatory health insurance, increasing defense spending. I think everything is going in the wrong direction,” he explained.

In recent years, economic and political turmoil has led to a significant decline in the well-being of some countries. So the crisis in the euro area reduced the feeling of happiness in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. And the sharpest drop in the rating happened with Egypt. The authors of the study say that the most significant factor that affects the fact that people do not feel happy is the inability to make free choices, and not low income, as it might seem. However, poverty has never made anyone happy either.

What do Denmark, Costa Rica and Singapore have in common? Citizens of these countries live, as they say, like in Christ's bosom, believe in the highest meaning of life and enjoy every day - a minimum of stress and a maximum of joy.

Who is the happiest person in the world?
Maybe Alejandro Zuniga? A man of middle age and good health, loving father, he enjoys socializing with people and knows that he has a few true friends to rely on. He rarely sleeps less than seven hours a night, walks to work, and eats six servings of fruits and vegetables nearly every day. He works no more than 40 hours a week, loves his job and gets along with his colleagues. He devotes a few more hours a week to volunteering, and on weekends he goes to church and football. In a word, day after day he chooses happiness, which is greatly facilitated by the presence of like-minded people, and also by the green expanses and temperate climate of the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

Another possible candidate is Sidse Clemmensen. Together with a devoted life partner and three small children, she lives in a friendly commune - a housing association where families do housework and look after children together. Sidse is a sociologist, and with such a profession, she has little time for rest. The whole family rides bicycles - to work, to school, to the store - great way stay in shape. From her modest salary, Clemmensen pays high taxes, but she is provided with medical care, education for her children and, in the future, a pension. In her native Aalborg in Denmark, people are confident that the government will not leave them in trouble.

And finally, the third contender for the title of the happiest person: Douglas Fu. Successful businessman He drives a $750,000 BMW and lives in a $10 million home. Douglas has a wife and four children who delight their parents with excellent grades. As a schoolboy, he earned his own education and started his own firm, which eventually grew into a $59 million international company.

Mr. Fu earned the respect of subordinates, colleagues and all the surrounding residents. Success was worth a lot of effort, and, Douglas is sure, he would hardly have been able to arrange such a life for himself anywhere outside of Singapore.

Zuniga, Clemmensen and Fu represent the three different types happiness. I will call them pleasure, purposefulness, satisfaction with what has been achieved. In addition, each of our heroes lives in a country where this or that “local” happiness flourishes on fertile soil.

After talking with all three applicants, getting in touch with their native culture, we will try to reveal the secret: why are people in these corners of the planet the happiest? Look at Zuniga - like many Costa Ricans, he lives day after day to the fullest, and the very atmosphere around reduces stress and multiplies joy. Scientists call this type of happiness experienced happiness, or positive affect. It is measured very simply: respondents are asked how many times in the last 24 hours they smiled, laughed or felt joy. Zunigi's homeland is the happiest country not only in Latin America. Judging by the polls, Zunigi's compatriots experience more positive emotions in Everyday life than anyone else on the planet.
Clemmensen had a kind of happiness, characteristic of purposeful Danes. As with other forms of happiness, the default assumption is that basic needs are met, so that people can do what they love at work and at leisure. This is eudaimonic happiness - this term comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "happiness, bliss." The concept itself gained popularity thanks to Aristotle, who believed that only a life filled with meaning, a matter worth laboring, gives true happiness. When conducting research, Gallup invites respondents to remember what they learned or did interestingly yesterday. In Denmark, which for 40 years has consistently ranked at the top of the rankings of the happiest countries in Europe, people simply have an easy life. As for Mr. Fu, with all his energy and many talents, he confirms the reputation of Singaporeans, known for their fanatical craving for success. Their happiness is "satisfaction with life." To determine its level, sociologists often ask respondents to rate their lives on a scale from zero to ten. This type of happiness is also called evaluative. All over the world, it is considered a measure of well-being. In terms of life satisfaction, Singapore is a clear leader among Asian countries.

Researchers at Columbia University, commissioned by the United Nations to publish the annual World Happiness Report, found that three-quarters of a person's happiness is determined by six factors: the stability of economic growth, healthy life expectancy, quality of social relations, generosity, trust and the freedom to choose your own path. All these factors directly depend on the government of the country and its cultural values. In general, we can say that the happiest corners of the planet nurture the happiness of their inhabitants. Zuniga, Clemmensen and Fu are determined to achieve their goals - but not at the expense of joy and laughter - and are proud of what they are doing now and what they have already achieved. In many situations, they are helped by their native land - the country and the city, the street and the house. The ground under your feet and the people around you give support, constantly encouraging them to do things that attract happiness.

COSTA RICA

MATTHEW PALEY At the height of the work day, Maria del Carmen Chorsrecha Patterson (right) decided to take a break: from the restaurant she runs in Limone, she went to a nearby bar to dance to fiery music. Costa Ricans always find time for small pleasures, family and friends.

Let's return to Alejandro Zuniga, a fruit and vegetable vendor at the central market in the city of Cartago, east of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. This 57-year-old big man has been working here for many years. Whenever one of the sixty other merchants falls ill or gets into trouble, it is Zuniga who collects the money. On weekends he arranges forays into football match to cheer for the city's favorite team, C.S. Cartaginés (the team, alas, there are not enough stars from the sky, but this is not the main thing). Zuniga is a charismatic person and a born leader.

One evening his phone rang. “You won the lottery,” came the voice of a friend over the phone.

Zunige, the caller said, fell out happy ticket: he was due 50 million colones (at that time about 93 thousand dollars). But Alejandro did not believe his friend, a well-known lover of practical jokes: he had a difficult day behind him, and besides, the avocados did not sell. “I thought it was a stupid joke,” he recalls. “I have eight dollars left in my pocket.”

In his heart he hung up.

The next day, when Zuniga came to work, he was met with a flurry of applause. The news of the win spread throughout the county.

Feeling dizzy, Zuniga moved along the stalls, shaking hands with each vendor. Everyone knew: life did not indulge him. He grew up in the slums, dropped out of school at the age of 12 to earn his own bread, he had problems with alcohol, and at 20 the love of his life broke his heart: his beloved left him.

And now Zuniga suddenly became a millionaire, and his comrades mentally said goodbye to him, deciding that he would certainly exchange them for a new, prosperous life. But week after week passed, and our hero slowly distributed the wealth that had fallen on him. A million columns to a friend from whom I bought that lucky ticket. A million to the owner of the diner, who fed him in times of famine. Another million to a beggar I know in the market, and the rest to my mother and four mothers of their seven children. Less than a year later, he was already broke again. And he doesn't care about grief. "I am absolutely happy!" says Alejandro.

MATTHEW PALEY Only three students go to school in La Central, a farming village an hour from Cartago. In the photo: the trinity has lunch in a cafe in the company of a teacher. The crucifix was moved here from the church during the eruption of the Turrialba volcano: it was considered that it would be safer here. Primary and secondary education is compulsory and free, and the country's literacy rate reaches 97.8%.

To understand its resilient nature, you need to know Costa Rica well, where, thanks to geography and social policy, a “cocktail of happiness” has turned out. Its components: a strong family, universal health care, faith in God, peaceful sky overhead, equality and generosity. These ingredients make up the recipe: how to enjoy life day after day. This is the key to the first form of happiness - enjoyment. Here in Costa Rica, this well-being love potion brings more happiness per dollar of GDP than anywhere else in the world.

Let's try to understand Alejandro. He has neither a car, nor gold-diamonds, nor expensive equipment - but he does not need all this for happiness and self-respect. He lives in a country where the last 100 years have been marked by the support of every citizen. Most Central American states were dominated by large landowners after independence, whose interests were protected by presidents supported by the army, but Costa Rica took a different path.

MATTHEW PALEY Paramedic Ileana Alvarez-Chávez, as part of the Costa Rica government health program, came to 68-year-old single widow Mayela Orozco to take an elderly woman's blood pressure and take tests. In a year, Alvarez-Chavez will visit every house in Paraiso. The emphasis on preventive medicine has helped reduce child mortality and increase life expectancy.

The impregnable mountain ranges pitted with gorges did not contribute to the growth of plantations. But the international demand for coffee played into the hands of small owners and free-spirited farmers of the Central Valley. Costa Ricans elected teachers unencumbered by colonial vestiges as presidents - their policies launched a spiral of prosperity. In 1869, a law was passed in Costa Rica that made primary education compulsory for all children—remarkably, for girls as well. By 1930, the literacy rate was one of the highest in Latin America. At the same time, the authorities took care of clean water in the villages, declaring war on deadly childhood diseases, as well as cholera and diarrhoea. By 1961, laws for nationwide health care had been passed, and free first-aid posts appeared in most villages. Costa Rica remains on course today. One winter morning, I volunteered to join paramedic Ileana Alvarez-Chavez as she went on a round of patients through the verdant city of Paraiso in the Central Valley. Ileana is a member of the Basic Comprehensive Health Services Team (EBAIS): This national system was created in the mid-1990s to keep Costa Ricans healthy. Small teams - a doctor, a nurse, a receptionist and several paramedics - are entrusted with the health care of about three and a half thousand people. The daily round rate for Alvarez Chavez is not less than ten houses. She spends half an hour in each, because she needs to make an entry in the medical record, measure pressure, get vaccinated, give recommendations and make sure that the water has not stagnated anywhere (mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus breed in stagnant water). Having visited the 89-year-old Aurora Brenes, Ileana compiled an inventory of all her medications, measured her blood pressure and wrote the old woman to the doctor of her team. “Often I have time to catch the disease before it has developed into diabetes or a heart attack,” says Alvarez-Chavez. “Many of my patients are lonely people, and they are already grateful that someone is paying attention to them.”

Since 1970, life expectancy in Costa Rica has jumped from 66 to 80, and infant mortality has dropped sevenfold. Compared to the United States, the death rate from heart disease among men is about a third lower, although health care costs per capita are ten times less. As former President José María Figueres Olsen argued, Costa Rica's health care system works so well because health care is its top priority. “In the United States, there are incentives focused on increasing spending,” Figueres emphasized at the time. “And here, for many years, the emphasis has been on preventive medicine, because, frankly, the goal of a competent health policy is the same – to prevent people from getting sick.”

In short, the social system of Costa Rica satisfies the basic needs of citizens. Mariano Rojas, a native of these places, an economist and expert in the wisdom of happiness, an employee of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences in Mexico City, says this: “ social system gives them a sense of security, relatively good health, and freedom from most of life's major anxieties, creating an environment in which most people can earn their daily bread."

DENMARK

CORY RICHARDS On a farm north of Copenhagen, schoolchildren pick vegetables they have grown themselves. All that is left is to cook and eat together - all this is provided for by the program that teaches children to love and protect nature. The Danes love such joint events.

Denmark also cares about the welfare of its citizens, and Sidse Clemmensen is just one of them. Sitting in her kitchen, this 35-year-old working mom, a short-haired young woman in a sleeveless blouse and Moroccan slippers, sips her tea with a sparkling diamond in her nose.
“The state provides me with everything I need,” says Clemmensen. - The children are happy. I have a wonderful husband. And my favorite job. I know that nothing really terrible will happen to me.”

The Clemmensen family settled in Aalborg in a housing association - bofællesskab in Danish. Each of the 22 families owns a house, and on the common area there is a huge garden, laundry, workshop, warehouse, parking and a dining room where you can share a meal with everyone.

The housing association is a refined mix of private and public in a true Scandinavian spirit, a good metaphor for the entire Danish society, where trust and partnership play an important role. According to the sociologist from the University of Copenhagen Peter Gundelach, the evolution of Danish society is rooted in the Second War of Schleswig in 1864, when a quarter of the country's territory went to Prussia. “That defeat extinguished in us the desire to be a world superpower,” he says. - It calmed us down. The government began to strengthen our national identity - to build pillars from the inside.

CORY RICHARDS A Cuban immigrant, infected by the Danes with a passion for socializing, dances with his half-Danish daughter on a lawn near the beach in Copenhagen, a favorite meeting place for citizens. The Danes have always warmly welcomed visitors, however, the recent migration crisis has somewhat cooled their enthusiasm.

Since childhood, Danes have been aware of their right to health care, education and financial protection. If a child appears in a family (including in a same-sex marriage), parents have the right to whole year go on maternity leave and receive a government benefit equal to almost their full salary. In Denmark, people work hard, but on average less than 40 hours a week, and go on vacation five weeks a year. The price of such generous social benefits is one of the highest income tax rates in the world. This universal equalizer allows the garbage collector to actually earn more than the doctor.

“The happiness of the Danes is closely related to their concept of tryghed - a sense of security, as if you were curled up in bed and the blanket was tucked in from all sides. It starts with a mother's love and ends with a relationship with the government, says Jonathan Schwartz, an American anthropologist who lives and works in Copenhagen. “The system doesn’t so much guarantee happiness as it keeps people from doing things that will make them unhappy.” Another important component Happiness in Danish is the ability to find time for self-realization. Over 90 percent of Danes are members of some kind of club or society, ranging from cold water swimming to raising rabbits, and more than 40 percent voluntarily join public organizations. “The Danes seem to understand the totality of human needs like no one else,” says Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist at Claremont Graduate University in California. “People need to be tested. That's the way we are. Overcoming difficulties, we become more confident. This is what happiness is built on.”

SINGAPORE

MATTHEW PALEY To mark the end of training, soldiers stage a night march to the world's largest floating stage. Military service builds purposefulness and unity, holding the main ethnic groups of the country together with strong bonds. The army is a symbol of security, which is so highly valued by the people of Singapore.

Singapore has found its own path to happiness. A prime example is Douglas Fu. Mr Fu runs Singapore's largest chain of fast-food sushi restaurants, Sakae Sushi, and manages to find time to volunteer at 22 organizations. On a 14-hour day, he dresses in one of his custom-made blue suits and presides over a dozen meetings. His signature style is a combination of refined ceremony, attentive focus, determination and humor. His ability to defuse the situation with an unexpected outburst of laughter, coupled with tireless work capacity, earned him at least all the outward attributes of "success in Singapore." He will tell you that he is happy, but deep down he feels that he has not yet conquered one of the peaks. At 48, Fu walks through life in the ranks of generations - between those who fought desperately for life in the 1960s and stood at the cradle of independent Singapore and the current 20-year-olds. In a little over half a century, the country, located on a piece of land 49 kilometers long, has turned from a fishing village into a state where 5.8 million citizens live among thousands of skyscrapers and over one and a half hundred shopping centers - a metropolis lined with green streets. Success for Singaporeans lies at the end known path– follow the rules, go to a good school, find Good work, and it's in the bag! In an equal opportunity society, talent and hard work are always rewarded.

CORY RICHARDS Three family members are immersed in prayer over an urn with the ashes of a deceased relative. They participate in a dramatic online ceremony accompanied by a laser show in a luxurious columbarium. For many Singaporeans, wealth - and its showy display - important element happiness formulas.

Singaporeans may complain that prices are rising and they are spinning around at work, but almost everyone talks about feeling secure and trusting each other. The creator of this social experiment was the late Lee Kuan Yew, who in 1965 led the movement for the independence of Singapore. Feeling deep reverence for traditional Asian values, Lee set out to build a society based on harmony, respect and work. Everyone who took up work, even in the most modest field, could count on a decent income. Under the labor welfare program, low wages were offset by subsidies for housing and medical care. Although the bulk of the population is made up of Chinese (74.3%), Malays (13.4%) and Indians (9.1%), the Lee government has retained English as an intermediary language so that none of the nations can pull the blanket over myself. It guaranteed freedom of religion, equal education for all, and provided subsidies for the purchase of real estate. As a result, today Singaporeans represent the third kind of happiness - the one that experts call life satisfaction. The indicator jumps up if you live in accordance with your own values ​​and are proud of your achievements. You have achieved financial stability and high status and feel that you are in the right place. Alas, the path to such happiness can stretch for many years, and often you have to pay for it with those small, momentary joys for which our life is so generous.

Looking at the photo, you will understand why the lucky ones live here

1. Costa Rica
There is no army in this country, the average life expectancy here is 79.3 years, and the inhabitants are surrounded by such beautiful nature that it simply cannot but cheer you up.

Instead of a long winter for five months, beaches await you, rainforests and great weather most of the time.

2. Norway
Norway has one of the highest levels of GDP per capita per year - about $ 54,947. In terms of life satisfaction, Norwegians rank second in the world. 95% of residents say they are happy to have the freedom to choose how to arrange their lives.

According to the World Values ​​Survey, 74% of Norwegians believe that other people can be trusted. For example, in Russia this indicator of trust is only 27%. What can you say?

Trusting people is great, it's good to live in a country where you can afford it.

3. Denmark
Denmark supports parents and young families by extending paid parental leave. Danish citizens receive free medical care, they have total gender equality in any area, cycling is common, and citizens have a sense of responsibility towards each other.

It seems to be a collection of unrelated factors. Nevertheless, they mean a lot for the well-being of people - equality, freedom and responsibility, physical activity and assistance from the state.

4. Vietnam
This rapidly developing country has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the last 20 years. The citizens of Vietnam are satisfied with what they have, and the overall level of satisfaction in the country is quite high.

Picturesque beaches, delicious food and friendly locals- only a small part of the delights of Vietnam.

5. Canada
Canada has a long life expectancy, high incomes and reliable social connections.

In addition, the education sector is very developed here.

6. Colombia
Colombia has a wonderful diverse nature of several climatic zones: mountain climate and rainforests, savannah and desert.

Colombian coffee will win your heart, and colorful national holidays will never let you get bored.

7. Netherlands
There are excellent working conditions and a high level of security in the labor sphere.

At the same time, the Dutch are able to find a balance between work and life, due to which their life satisfaction coefficient is quite high: it reaches 9 points according to Bloomberg.com.

8. Belize
Surrounded by the world's largest barrier reef, enjoying a relaxed "Caribbean" lifestyle and enjoying a mild climate all year round - that's what awaits you in Belize.

In addition, several cultures coexist quite peacefully and harmoniously in this country.

9. Sweden
If you plan to do business after moving, choose Sweden. According to Forbes, there is a lot of freedom and opportunity for entrepreneurship in this Scandinavian country.

Startups are relatively cheap, and a high degree of interpersonal trust and a culture based on individualism only raise the level of happiness in the country. Heaven for Entrepreneurs!

10. Salvador
This country is in the shadow of the popular tourist destinations of Guatemala and Mexico, but its inhabitants are quite happy with what they have.

Salvador has friendly neighbors, delicious food, and beautiful, tourist-free beaches. Here they lead a relaxed life, and the fact that El Salvador is not very popular with Americans and Europeans leaves good opportunities for business.

You choose where to live, and most importantly - how. If you feel that you would like to try to be in another reality, in another country - why not?

This is an invaluable life experience, and it is in the acquisition of a variety of experiences that the meaning of our life consists. Everyone chooses for themselves, as you know.

Of course, every person on Earth dreams of a long and prosperous life in all respects. So sometimes you want to leave a frosty and snowy city for a cozy country where there are no wars, a frantic pace of life, and polluted air. But in what cities and countries is happiness hidden? Although everyone has their own idea of ​​it. Nevertheless, researchers and sociologists have already developed a conditional measure of happiness, on the basis of which lists of geographical places where the most people live are compiled annually. tomorrow? It turns out that not so much: social guarantees from the state, a competent policy of the government, and, well, a certain level of material prosperity.

Of course, today a huge number of ratings are compiled about where the most happy people. Most of them are built on the basis of standard criteria: the level of financial well-being, the environmental situation, the size of GDP, the degree of corruption, potential life expectancy, freedom of life choice.

Today's List

So where do the happiest people live?

Do you think in the US or Germany? Far from it. The Yankees were only 15th in the rankings, while the Germans were 26th. Residents of the Celestial Empire were in 84th place, while the Russians took 64th. The British in the list of the happiest are placed on the 21st position, and the French - on the 29th.

Then who is at the top of the list of countries where happy people live? The rating was headed, as the results of sociological studies show, by the states of Northern Europe. And for several years they own the palm.

Now let's move on to the practical side of the question, where do the happiest people live?

Denmark, Aarhus

The city is located on the east coast in a cozy harbor. The industry is highly developed here, and people are entertained by water skiing and yachting. Aarhus regularly organizes music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances. Guests of the Danish city enjoy spending time in local cafes and restaurants. Residents from the windows of the houses offer a picturesque view of the North Sea.

Norway, Oslo

Have no idea where the happiest people in the world live?

Sociologists say that in the Norwegian capital. Here you can admire the amazing beauties of nature that you will not see anywhere else. The capital of the ancient Vikings is surrounded by majestic forests and massive mountain ranges. In the city, guests are always offered an interesting cultural program: you can go to a concert, a festival, see unique sculptures that adorn local parks and squares, and visit the famous Opera House. Oslo has a huge number of bars, clubs, supermarkets. Economic development The city is provided by the oil industry.

Switzerland, Geneva

Another place where happy countries live would be incomplete without Switzerland. Still, who will be left indifferent by the snow-capped Alpine mountains and the majestic Jura ranges? The picturesque city in the southwest of the country is at the center of this natural palette of colors. Located along the building of the Cathedral of St. Pierre impresses with its architectural sophistication. In winter, tourists from all over the world come to Geneva to ski and snowboard on the local mountain slopes. During the summer season, many travelers enjoy relaxing on the beaches.

The city has an amazingly beautiful fountain - Jet Deo, which every tourist who comes to this hospitable country should see.

Netherlands, Utrecht

Let's continue to consider the question of where they live The countries of the northern part of Europe in this respect occupy a leading position. However, in such a state as the Netherlands, comfortable conditions have also been created for a person to “forever”. In particular, in the Dutch city of Utrecht, people in every sense feel excellent. Artists, musicians, poets draw inspiration here. The abundance of pubs, bars and cafes gives tourists the opportunity to taste savory dishes of national cuisine. Visitors to the city can admire how people travel in boats down the waterway. In summer, the famous film festival is held here, where eminent actors and directors come. Dynamic life and a relaxed atmosphere make Utrecht a city of happiness.

Sweden, Malmö

This amazing city is connected to the Danish capital by the Øresund Bridge, so those who want to see the sights of Copenhagen can easily walk through it.

Canada, Kingston

On the North American continent, there is also a city whose inhabitants are satisfied with life. It's about about Canadian Kingston, which is located in the eastern province of Ontario. It also offers a wide cultural program: from music festivals to theatrical performances. All conditions for creativity are created here. Residents of the city adhere to the principles of tolerance and freedom of expression. Of course, these factors have influenced the fact that people feel happy in Kingston.

Finland, Helsinki

In the Finnish capital, a minimum level of official corruption has been recorded.

Here there is a high level of quality of life and education, the difference in incomes of the population is insignificant. The availability of quality medical services and the optimal balance between leisure and work - for many people, these factors are the key to happiness. Again, culture is developed at a high level in Helsinki: the abundance of theaters, philharmonic societies, museums is a vivid confirmation of this. The architectural appearance of the Finnish city is represented by the Art Nouveau style, which amazes tourists with its splendor.

Russian cities

Of course, a huge number of people are interested in the question of where the happiest people in Russia live.

As the results of sociological surveys showed, the capital of the Chechen Republic, the city of Grozny, was on the list of leaders. Russians also feel comfortable in such cities as Kazan, Tyumen, and Surgut. But the Russian capital in the ranking of the "happiest" cities took only 52nd place.

The results of a sociological study have shown that the degree of financial well-being for Russians is an essential, but at the same time not a determining criterion that makes a person happy. The main factors, as it turned out, are the level of security, the feeling of change for the better in the city where a person lives, and the ecological situation. For this reason alone, cities whose appearance has changed dramatically in recent years have become leaders: Sochi, Grozny, Kazan.

Happy peoples

Today, sociologists have given an answer to the question: "Where do the happiest peoples of the world live"? If we talk about the territory of Central Asia, then the Kazakhs were in the first place. The researchers said that the most smiling people in Asia are Filipinos. Further in descending order are the peoples living in Laos, Turkey, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Israel. The highest level of dissatisfaction with life was recorded among Uzbeks.

The inhabitants of the South American continent consider themselves happy. The first place in the ranking was taken by the Brazilians.

As for the European part, the list of the happiest peoples is headed by the inhabitants of Macedonia. The second position is occupied by the Romanians.

Unhappy

Well, the most "unfortunate" countries, according to experts, are Benin, Rwanda, Burundi, Syria, Togo. The inhabitants of these states are tired of unrest and poverty.

Rich people live in Switzerland, disciplined people live in Germany, healthy people live in Iceland. Where do the happiest people in the world live? We tried to find out this question and here's what we found.

Denmark

According to opinion polls in Denmark, 82% of the population feel completely satisfied and happy, only 17% experience problems and only 1% of respondents suffer and are dissatisfied with life.

And there is an explanation for this: Danes receive free medical care, gender equality flourishes, and the state helps parents by extending paid parental leave. Plus, a favorable economic situation, a low level of corruption and the absence of natural disasters. And the Danish secret of happiness lies in small demands: the population of this country for the most part is satisfied with what they have.

Norway

In another northern European country, almost 95% of the population claims to be happy. Why not? Norway has one of the highest GDP per capita per year. In addition, 74% of Norwegians trust other people and do not experience anxiety.

The level of inflation and unemployment in the country is very low, but the level of salaries is one of the highest in the world - for example, the average monthly salary is 3950 euros. Norway is safe: here you can safely walk the streets at night and back streets during the day. The local population breathes clean air and drinks tap water, goes in for sports and drives on quality roads. Why not heaven?

Costa Rica

Endless beaches, rosy sunsets, rainforests and gentle weather - this is Costa Rica. Pura vida (life is beautiful) is what the locals like to say. Still, here any person feels one with nature, and the local landscapes are so beautiful that it is simply impossible to get angry, sad or worried. This is probably why the average life expectancy in Costa Rica is 79.3 years.

And yet there is no army and polluted megacities, but there are many nature reserves and national parks, cozy villages and eco-farms. Thank you and only.

Vietnam

Among Asian countries, the highest world index of happiness (Happy Planet Index) is registered in Vietnam. Per recent decades this country has made a huge leap in development and has become one of the most popular among tourists from all over the world.

Local residents are quite satisfied with their lives, so the overall level of satisfaction is quite high. And it's easy to see: the Vietnamese are friendly and open, they just don't know how to get angry!

Netherlands

The glory of the country of legal drugs, prostitutes and tulips has been fixed for Holland. And the Dutch themselves are not against such an image: more flow of adventurers, which means more money flow into the country. It is very clean here, and the local population will give odds to the Germans in pedantry and accuracy. Civil consciousness is high, everyone is responsible not only for himself, but also for his house, street and country.

High salaries and excellent working conditions, however, do not make the Dutch workaholics. They know how to find a balance between work and leisure, so the coefficient of life satisfaction here is 9 points out of 10 according to Bloomberg.com.

Canada

Canada is one of the happiest big countries. People here are realists, so they rarely complain about life. Still: incomes are stable and high, a reliable social component, long life expectancy and good ecology.

The degree of satisfaction increases with distance from large cities: for example, in Toronto, only a third of the population rated their level of happiness at 9-10 points, but in Sudbury (a small town in Ontario), this is already 45% of the population.

Colombia

We know about this country only that there is excellent coffee. But there are other reasons for joy here: a warm climate, diverse nature, colorful national holidays. And although the local population does not live well, nevertheless, about 85% of the respondents experience a feeling of happiness here. Colombians are fatalists and love their country.

Until quite recently, Colombia was considered not the quietest place on earth, but in recent times it's quieter and calmer here. Tourism is developing, the social component is improving, and the government is strenuously fighting crime. Maybe soon Colombia will top the list of the happiest countries in the world?

New Zealand

Beautiful landscapes of New Zealand attract not only directors from Hollywood. People come here for a happy share - it’s not for nothing that in 2016 this country surpassed its neighbor Australia in terms of happiness.

New Zealanders feel protected; social support from the state is extremely developed here. In addition, the local population has been accustomed to an active lifestyle and sports since childhood, and therefore the average life expectancy is 83 years. And yet - the people of New Zealand are complacent and friendly towards each other.

Finland

And again the European North. This country is famous for one of the best education systems in the world. Teachers here are required to have a master's degree, and in schools they pay attention not so much to theory as to practice. Not surprisingly, the specialists here have a high level of knowledge and equally high wages.

Another feature of Finland is the insignificant difference in the standard of living of the inhabitants, everyone is equal here. The low level of corruption in Finns, high-quality medical services, love of art - all the conditions for a happy life.

Sweden

And Sweden closes the top ten happiest countries. 88% of the local residents can say with confidence about their happiness.

This is a business paradise. There are many opportunities and conditions for entrepreneurs, so the number of start-ups and start-ups is very high. A prosperous and stable Swedish economy minimizes the risks of long-term investments. Sweden also has a high level of education and social security, excellent ecology and a low level of corruption.

This is what the top ten happiest countries in the world look like. And if you're still looking for a place to live, you can visit the places on the list and see what's what. But in fact, happiness does not depend on geography. Be free, active, enjoy life, and happiness will be with you anywhere in the world!

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