Gallup World Poll did a study of the ten most happiest countries based on healthy life expectancy, corruption levels and social freedoms. and we came in 5th.
Heres the results for Canada – we rank high in all factors – healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, gender equality, age equality, and freedom to make life choices. According to a report from the Legatum Institute, Canada is also the freest country in the world. Canadians enjoy a high standard of living – more than 70% own their own home and automobiles. Education is affordable and health care is mostly free at the point of use. A large country with nature all around – making camping, hiking, fishing, part of normal life.
Canada 5th Happiest Country
Happiness is a state of mind and one we get to choose, but add a beautiful environment, good health care, high level education, and personal security in low crime countries, being happy becomes that much easier.
It is interesting to see why these countries made the top ten list…..
Number ONE is Switzerland
The Swiss rate their lives highly because of the overall human development in Switzerland, long life expectancy and high incomes. While the report does not equate happiness with prosperity, Switzerland is not getting away from being a rich nation, with an average GDP per capita of $58,000. Switzerland is an incredibly scenic country with beautiful lakes and mountains. Add world-beating chocolate to the list, and it is no surprise that the Swiss are pleased with themselves.
Number ONE Switzerland
#2 – Iceland
With its glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, lava flows and the northern lights, it’s understandable why Icelanders are such a happy bunch, surrounded by breathtaking and inspiring scenery. They enjoy high employment rates for both men and women, so gender equality can also form part of Iceland’s well-being and happiness.
# 3 – Denmark
Denmark ranks among places with greater gender equality. Danish families receive a total of 52 weeks of parental leave – mothers are able to take 18 weeks, and fathers receive two weeks at up to 100% salary. The Danish love of cycling also helps keep fit, happy and healthy.
# 4 – Norway
Norway ranks above the average in most quality of life dimensions, such as well-being, jobs and earnings, housing, work-life balance, environmental quality, civic engagement, social connections, health status, and personal security. Add clean air, low pollution and the close proximity to nature, including fjords, mountains, islands, seashore, lakes, northern lights and midnight sun; what’s not to be happy about.
# 6 – Finland
Finns enjoy a high quality of life, low levels of corruption, high literacy rates, a small income gap, wide access to health care, high life expectancy rates and a healthy work-life balance. They also have one of the best education systems in the world, where personal choice and flexibility are favoured.
# 7 – The Netherlands
The Dutch are the happiest workers in the world and enjoy the shortest working week of any industrialized nation (an average of 29 hours), which would make anyone happy!
# 8 – Sweden
A strong social welfare system, shared values, gender equality and a relatively classless society all play their part and are family-oriented.
# 9 – New Zealand
Spectacular scenery, vast open spaces, an enviable work-life balance and a relaxed pace of life also lead to a less stressed way of living.
# 10 – Australia
Sunshine and beaches bring happiness, but health care, low crime rates, a clean environment, education, civic engagement, and a longer-than-average life expectancy also make Australians happy.
Here is the article in Global Finance with the Gallup Poll
Considering all these factors with each country in the top ten, I think it is exciting that, as a Canadian, I can say we rank so high on the list. I am happy to say I’m Canadian eh! Now it is time to get ‘out and about’ and enjoy this amazing country I live in and spread more HAPPY!
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