The 10 Happiest Countries in the World, And What Makes Them So Special?

Why are the inhabitants of some countries so much happier than those in others? The key factors are the quality of life, a strong sense of community, and the ability to find the right balance with nature. Throw in a certain je ne sais quoi that distinguishes one happy place from another, and you’ve got a list of countries where bliss is just one flight away. With that in mind, here are the 10 happiest countries on the planet.

1. Finland

It should come as no surprise that Finland tops this list, as it does pretty much every year. It has one of the world’s most transparent governments, clean air, and a top education system. But perhaps the greatest factor lies in the Finnish peoples’ love for nature. A whopping 70% of Finland is covered in forest, and you better believe the Finns take full advantage of this. Hiking during the warmer months and cross-country skiing in the winter are national pastimes. The latter fits into the core cultural concept of sisu where you don’t fight the harsh winter climate, you accept it with grit and stoicism.