Nordic countries score top 10 hits on World Happiness Report
It’s official – Finland is, according to a United Nations-sponsored report, the happiest country on Earth, once again, having hit the top spot for an eighth year in a row. A strong welfare system, excellent access to nature, a healthy work-life balance and high levels of trust and freedom are all cited as key factors in Finland's consistent place at the top of the World Happiness Report.
Access to nature: One of the keys to Finland's table-topping happiness score
The report itself was based on a number of determining factors – economic strength, social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity and perceived corruption – with Finland scoring an impressive 7.736 out of 10. What’s more, its Nordic cousins weren’t far behind, with Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway all scoring a place in the top 10.
Here are the top 10 happiest countries on Earth today, as per the latest report:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
Happy views across Iceland
But what about the UK? With a ranking of 23rd, we’ve clearly got some work to do. And our solution? Increase your happiness with a holiday to Scandinavia and the Nordics, of course. Below are some of our top recommendations, or why not call our specialists today for some happy holiday inspiration?
Holidays to make you happy
1. Santa in Lapland Harriniva
Nothing says happy quite like an excited child at Christmas. And what better way to treat the kids than with a trip out to Finnish Lapland to meet jolly St Nick himself? There's plenty for grown-ups, too, with an included snowmobile adventure showcasing the magic of the Lappish wilderness. Our exclusive escorted tour is the pick of the bunch, the perfect celebration of all things festive.
Book our Santa in Harriniva escorted itinerary
2. Scandinavia by Rail: Copenhagen to Helsinki
What better way to get your fix of Nordic happiness than by combining three of the world's happiest nations on a single trip? On this captivating journey, you'll begin in Copenhagen before taking the train to Gothenburg and then across to Stockholm on Sweden's east coast. Then, by ferry, you'll arrive in Helsinki, rounding off your trip in the capital city of the world's happiest country.
3. Iceland's Arctic Coast Way
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, Husavik, Iceland
Get off the beaten track as you follow this spectacular route along Iceland's lesser-visited northern coastline, passing between remote fishing villages, windswept beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, spectacular fjords and mesmerising waterfalls. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to spot whales and puffins, stay in some of the region's finest hotels and enjoy a soothing soak in mineral rich geothermal pools – a quintessential Icelandic health ritual.
Explore Iceland's Arctic Coast Way
4. Northern Lights at Arctic Bath & Treehotel, Swedish Lapland
Treehotel, Swedish Lapland
Coming in at number four on the World Happiness Report is Sweden – a country that's home to swathes of unspoilt wilderness and some of the most innovative, eye catching hotels and lodges in the Nordics. In the far north, in Swedish Lapland, this tailor-made winter adventure pairs stays at Treehotel and Arctic Bath, two of the region's most revered properties, alongside exquisite culinary experiences, epic outdoor pursuits and excellent chances of spotting the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights at Arctic Bath & Treehotel, Swedish Lapland
5. Hardangerfjord & Classic Norway in a Nutshell
It may be seventh in the World Happiness Report, slightly below its Nordic neighbours, but when it comes to spellbinding landscapes, few countries can compete with Norway's wealth of awe-inspiring natural wonders. This tour combines the urban delights of Oslo and Bergen with the chance to explore the majestic Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord, including a journey on the iconic Flåm Railway, passing between soaring mountains, deep gorges and cascading waterfalls en route.
