These are the Happiest Countries in the World

By Briana Seftel


In accordance with International Happiness Day on March 20th, the United Nations released its annual World Happiness Report 2017, which ranks 150 countries based on freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income and good governance.

Find out which 10 countries rank among the happiest in the world (listed below in order), then get packing!

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1. Norway

Fjords and Vikings galore.

Norway comes in at #1, up three spots from its fourth place position last year. Known for its dramatic fjords, mountainous terrain, and icy glaciers, Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world in addition to having the cheeriest of inhabitants.


2. Denmark

A smorgasbord of experiences.

Coming in at a close second, Denmark offers visitors a wealth of memorable experiences, from the bike-friendly capital of Cophenhagen to pristine coastline on the Baltic Sea. The Danish are known for their egalitarian spirit, so you'll feel right at home!


3. Iceland

Land of Fire and Ice!

It's no secret Iceland is at the top of many travel bucket lists. The Northern Lights plus jaw-dropping glaciers, geysers, and lagoons make Iceland an unforgettable place to visit. With a population of less than 400,000, Iceland might just be the smallest and happiest country.


4. Switzerland

Home to the mythical Matterhorn.

Watches, chocolate, yodeling... Switzerland has many claims to fame all wrapped up in a small country. The land of milk and honey has an alluring mix of rural landscapes and modern cities, whether it's the famous Matterhorn or chateaux on the Montreux waterfront.


5. Finland

The land of a thousand lakes.

Like much of Scandinavia, Finland is known around the world for its snowy and large stretches of wilderness. Nature enthusiasts will love the abundance of activities from skiing to dog sledding, but it's not all outdoors. The capital of Helsinki offers a healthy dose of cutting-edge technology, design, and culture.


6. The Netherlands

World-famous art and tulip fields.

There is much to love about the Netherlands, from the romantic canals of Amsterdam to fields of blooming tulips and charming windmills. Experience the signature Dutch "can-do" spirit as you travel this flat country in search of happiness.


7. Canada

Oh Canada!

The Great White North, which covers three million square miles in North America, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for its natural beauty and sophisticated cities. Feast on Jamaican food in Toronto, see the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, and get a taste of Europe in Montreal without ever leaving the continent.


8. New Zealand

Windwept beaches meet bucolic landscapes.

Explore the majestic land that served as the setting for Peter Jackson's epic "Lord of the Rings" films. Uncrowded, peaceful, and impossibly green, New Zealand stuns with its natural beauty, small urban cities, and friendly residents affectionately known as Kiwis!


9. Australia

The Land Down Under.

Say g'day to Australia, which ties with Sweden as the 9th happiest country in the world. From trendy cool Melbourne which boasts celebrities that visit the famous Melbourne Cup Horserace to snorkling on the famed Great Barrier Reef, Australia has a surplus of must-see sites covering a lot of ground. Get into the cheery Aussie spirit of as you traverse this island nation.


10. Sweden

High fashion Scandinavian gem!

Dig into a plate of Swedish meatballs then explore Sweden's many pleasures, from cutting-edge design in Stockholm to the indigenous Sami culture in Lappland. While Sweden may be most famous for IKEA, this country is also home to Viking ruins, archipelagos, forests, and more.

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