The 10 Happiest Countries To Live In The World - Seen as the World’s Safest Countries

Summary

The video script reveals the top ten happiest countries in the world for 2019, highlighting factors beyond wealth that contribute to happiness, such as social support and institutional balance. Countries like Austria, Canada, and New Zealand are praised for their liveability, multiculturalism, and outdoor lifestyle. Nordic nations, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, excel in social welfare, equality, and quality of life. Finland tops the list with its peacefulness, high quality of life, and generous social structure.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Happiness is subjective and varies across cultures and individuals.
• 🏆 The top ten happiest countries for 2019 are known for their social and institutional support systems.
• 🏔 Austria ranks 10th, with high social support and freedom, despite environmental and educational challenges.
• 🇨🇦 Canada, known for multiculturalism and life expectancy, dropped two spots but remains a top contender.
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle and focus on outdoor activities contribute to its 8th place ranking.
• 🇸🇪 Sweden's excellent social support and life expectancy have helped it maintain a high happiness score.
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland's wealth, neutrality, and comprehensive welfare contribute to its high ranking.
• 🇳🇱 The Netherlands is celebrated for its liveability, progressiveness, and work-life balance.
• 🇮🇸 Iceland's peacefulness, equality, and free services like healthcare and education place it high in happiness.
• 🇳🇴 Norway's natural beauty, social support, and low corruption rate make it a leader in happiness.
• 🇩🇰 Denmark's focus on education, low crime rate, and high taxes for social benefits position it near the top.
• 🇫🇮 Finland, with its peacefulness, high quality of life, and generous social policies, tops the list as the happiest country.

Q & A

What does happiness mean in the context of the countries mentioned in the script?

Happiness in the context of the countries mentioned refers to a combination of social, institutional supports, and overall quality of life, rather than just wealth.

Why are the countries with the happiest immigrants not necessarily the richest ones?

The countries with the happiest immigrants focus more on a balanced set of social and institutional supports that contribute to better lives, rather than just economic wealth.

What is Austria's ranking in the happiest countries list for 2019?

Austria is ranked 10th in the happiest countries list for 2019.

What factors contribute to Austria's high happiness score?

Austria's high happiness score is attributed to its social support, citizens' freedom, the liveability of its capital Vienna, and a lower-than-average crime rate.

How does Canada's ranking compare to the previous year?

Canada dropped two spots from the previous year in the happiest countries ranking.

What is one of the key aspects of Canada's multiculturalism that contributes to its happiness score?

Canada's tolerant approach to multiculturalism, including programs that promote inter-ethnic understanding, is a key aspect that contributes to its happiness score.

What is New Zealand's position in the list and what are some of its characteristics?

New Zealand holds the 8th position and is characterized by a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, emphasis on outdoor activities, and beautiful landscapes.

What are some of the social benefits that Sweden offers its citizens?

Sweden offers its citizens excellent social support, long parental leave policies, free schooling, and baby-friendly public areas.

How does Switzerland's public transportation system contribute to its high happiness ranking?

Switzerland ensures that no one in the country has to walk more than 10 minutes to get to public transportation, which is seen as a right.

What is the Netherlands known for in terms of landscape and lifestyle?

The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes, as well as a relaxed and welcoming lifestyle.

Why is Iceland considered one of the most peaceful nations on Earth?

Iceland is considered one of the most peaceful nations due to its beautiful landscapes, equality-driven policies, and a small, tight-knit population.

What are some of the social and economic benefits that Norway provides to its residents?

Norway provides free education, public pensions, universal healthcare, and is known for its low corruption, high social support, and freedom.

How does Denmark's approach to taxation reflect its citizens' values?

Denmark has the highest taxes in the world, but its citizens willingly pay them, believing that higher taxes can create a better society.

What makes Finland the happiest country in the world according to the script?

Finland is the happiest country due to its peaceful nature, high quality of life, generosity, low corruption, high GDP, and the freedom offered by its social structure.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Top 10 Happiest Countries in 2019

The paragraph discusses the concept of happiness and its subjective nature, emphasizing that the happiest countries for immigrants are not necessarily the wealthiest but those with strong social and institutional support systems. It lists the top ten happiest countries for 2019, highlighting Austria's high social support and freedom, Canada's multiculturalism and life expectancy, New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle and outdoor activities, Sweden's excellent social support and life expectancy, Switzerland's wealth and neutrality, and the Netherlands' flat landscape and canals. Each country is noted for its unique attributes that contribute to the overall happiness of its residents.

05:08

🏆 The Happiest Countries: A Closer Look

This paragraph delves deeper into the characteristics that make the top five countries particularly happy. It covers Iceland's peacefulness, equality, and social benefits, Norway's natural beauty, social support, and low corruption, Denmark's life expectancy, wealth gap, and education, and Finland's peace, quality of life, and social generosity. The paragraph also touches on the unique aspects of these countries, such as Iceland's low-income tax, Norway's universal healthcare, Denmark's high taxes for societal benefits, and Finland's high involvement of fathers in child-rearing. The summary ends with a recommendation to visit these countries for their exceptional quality of life.

Keywords

💡Happiness

Happiness refers to a state of well-being and contentment, which is a central theme of the video. It is subjective and varies among individuals. In the context of the video, happiness is linked to the quality of life, social support, and personal freedom, as evidenced by the ranking of various countries based on the happiness of their residents. For example, Austria's high social support and freedom contribute to its citizens' happiness, despite challenges like air pollution.

💡Social Support

Social support encompasses the assistance and resources provided by communities, families, and institutions to individuals. It is a key determinant of happiness as highlighted in the video. Countries with robust social support systems, like those in the top ten list, tend to have happier populations. For instance, Sweden's excellent social support, including long parental leave policies and free healthcare, contributes to its high happiness ranking.

💡Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is the average number of years a person is expected to live, based on current mortality rates. It is an indicator of a country's health and well-being, and it is closely tied to happiness. The video mentions countries like Sweden, where high life expectancy is one of the factors that make it a happy country. Long life expectancies often correlate with good healthcare systems and healthy lifestyles.

💡Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is the coexistence and interaction of diverse cultures within a society. The video praises Canada for its tolerant approach to multiculturalism, which promotes inter-ethnic understanding and contributes to its high happiness score. This concept is important as it reflects a country's inclusiveness and acceptance of diversity, which can enhance social cohesion and individual well-being.

💡Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between an individual's professional and personal life. The video notes that New Zealanders do not overly emphasize work, which allows for a better balance and contributes to their happiness. A healthy work-life balance can lead to reduced stress and increased satisfaction with life, which are integral to overall happiness.

💡Livability

Livability is the measure of how suitable a place is for living based on various factors such as safety, environment, and culture. The video mentions Vienna as the world's most livable city, contributing to Austria's high happiness ranking. High livability often indicates a place with good infrastructure, services, and a high quality of life, all of which are conducive to happiness.

💡Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap is the difference in average earnings between men and women. The video highlights that Norway has one of the lowest gender pay gaps in the world, which is a sign of gender equality and social justice. A smaller gender pay gap can lead to greater economic security and fairness, both of which are important for the happiness of a nation's citizens.

💡Corruption

Corruption is the abuse of power for personal gain, which can undermine trust in institutions and affect a country's social fabric. The video describes Norway as having little to no corruption, which is part of why it is considered a happy country. Low corruption levels can lead to more efficient governance and a fairer society, contributing to the overall happiness of citizens.

💡Public Transportation

Public transportation refers to the systems that facilitate the movement of people around a country or city, such as buses, trains, and subways. The video mentions Switzerland's excellent public transportation system, where no one has to walk more than 10 minutes to access it. Efficient public transportation can improve the quality of life by reducing commute times and providing accessibility, which can enhance happiness.

💡Quality of Life

Quality of life is a broad term that encompasses the overall well-being, health, and happiness of an individual or community. The video states that Finland has the highest quality of life, which includes factors like low corruption, high GDP, and freedom. A high quality of life is a key component of happiness, as it reflects the general conditions in which people live and their ability to meet their needs and aspirations.

💡Taxes

Taxes are compulsory financial charges levied by a government on workers and businesses to fund public services. The video notes that Denmark has the highest taxes in the world, but its citizens willingly pay them because they believe in creating a better society through higher taxes. This concept illustrates the relationship between taxation, public services, and the happiness derived from a strong social contract.

Highlights

Happiness varies significantly among individuals and is not solely dependent on wealth.

Countries with the happiest immigrants often have a balanced set of social and institutional supports.

The list of the ten happiest countries for 2019 includes many that are also considered the world's safest.

Austria ranks 10th, with high scores in social support and citizen freedom, and is home to the world's most liveable city, Vienna.

Despite air pollution and average schools, 73% of Austrians are satisfied with their lives, possibly due to the low crime rate.

The scenic Alps cover 62% of Austria, offering extensive skiing opportunities.

Canada, known for its multiculturalism and tolerance, ranks 9th, having dropped two spots from the previous year.

New Zealand, in 8th place, is a relaxed and welcoming country with a focus on outdoor living and less emphasis on personal achievement.

Sweden, with excellent social support and life expectancy, offers free healthcare, education, and long parental leave policies.

Switzerland, one of the world's wealthiest countries, is known for its neutrality and high-quality welfare and healthcare programs.

The Netherlands, with its flat landscape and progressive policies, is recognized for its liveability and work-life balance.

Iceland, the most peaceful nation, offers free healthcare and higher education, and is known for its beautiful landscapes.

Norway is described as Europe's most beautiful country, with low corruption, strong social support, and high prosperity.

Denmark, with a small wealth gap and high life expectancy, has a stable government and low public corruption.

Finland, the happiest country, is peaceful with the highest quality of life, and its people are generous with little corruption.

Finland's social structure and landscapes contribute to its high ranking in happiness.

Transcripts

Happiness can mean very different things to different people.

The countries with the happiest immigrants are not the richest countries, but instead

the countries with a more balanced set of social, and institutional supports for better

lives.

Here are the ten happiest countries to live in the world for 2019; many of these countries

are seen as the world’s safest countries.

10. Austria.

Austria scored particularly highly in social support and its citizens’ freedom and was

no doubt helped by its capital Vienna – now widely regarded to be the world’s most liveable

city.

73% of Austrians are satisfied with their lives despite high levels of air pollution

and schools that are less than stellar.

Maybe the lower-than-average crime rate explains why Austrians feel so good.

The Alps cover around 62% of Austria, making it one of the most scenic and extensive skiing

destinations.

9. Canada.

Although Canada is still ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world, it did

drop two spots from last year.

Canada still ranks high across pretty much every category with great life expectancy

married to a still small population with more than enough room to spread out and find their

corner of paradise.

According to the report, part of Canada's high happiness score also comes from its tolerant

approach to multiculturalism, via programs that promote inter-ethnic understanding.

8. New Zealand.

Holding steady once again in the eighth spot, New Zealand remains a relaxed, welcoming wonderland

that loses none of its appeals, whether you’re on vacation or based there permanently.

The people here don't place too much emphasis on work, spend lots of time outside, and aren't

overly concerned about "personal achievement" or status.

New Zealand is also known for beautiful landscapes, outdoor adventure sports including Bungy jumping,

jet boating, and sky diving, as well as significant climate, good food.

7. Sweden.

Essentially swapping places with Canada since last year, Sweden has once again benefitted

from excellent social support and a high life expectancy.

The Swedish government lists perks such as long parental leave policies, free schooling,

and baby-friendly public areas.

Health care, as well as a college education, are free, and its people boast one of the

longest life expectancies in the world.

6. Switzerland.

It’s one of the world’s wealthiest countries and has been well-known for centuries for

its neutrality.

Their welfare and healthcare programs are amongst some of the best in the world.

The average life expectancy is 83; they are multilingual, with most citizens understanding

German, French, and English.

The Swiss see public transportation as a right; they've got a bus system that ensures no one

in the country has to walk more than 10 minutes to get to public transportation.

5. The Netherlands.

A country in northwestern Europe is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields,

windmills, and cycling routes.

The country’s also renowned liveability, progressiveness, and work-life balance.

Famously relaxed and welcoming, their particular brand of lifestyle has propelled to the fifth

happiest country on Earth.

The pace of life and freedom are particularly strong points that put a smile on many residents’

faces.

4. Iceland.

The island nation was rated to be the most peaceful nation on Earth.

Beautiful landscapes that make you feel like you’re wandering through Middle Earth.

By far the world’s most equality-driven country, tiny Iceland’s isolation has been

a boon rather than a burden to its equally tiny population.

Iceland offers a relatively low-income tax, free health care, and free higher education

to its citizens.

3. Norway.

Norway’s consistently described as Europe’s most beautiful country that benefits from

little to no corruption, phenomenal social support and freedom and a regular top spot

in the world’s prosperity indexes.

Norway provides free education, public pensions and universal healthcare for its residents,

and is widely considered to be an exemplar of social and economic success.

People in Norway tend to have a great deal of social support, trust their government,

and live a long life.

Both the poverty rate and the gender pay gap are amongst the lowest in the world.

2. Denmark.

Benefiting from excellent life expectancy and one of the smallest wealth gaps in the

world, it’s got to have its eye on the top spot for 2020.

Denmark is a small country with a low crime rate and a low fear of crime.

The Danish are generally well educated, well informed.

Denmark has a stable government, low levels of public corruption, and access to high-quality

education and health care.

The country does have the highest taxes in the world, but the vast majority of Danes

happily pay: They believe higher taxes can create a better society.

1. Finland.

Finland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

It has the highest quality of life.

The country of about 5.5 million people is home to around 300,000 foreign nationals,

with its largest immigrant groups being from other European nations.

It’s the only country in the developed world where fathers spend more time with school-aged

children than mothers.

In particular, the generosity of its people with little to no corruption and high GDP,

married to the extraordinary freedom offered by its landscapes and social structure make

it the place to live.

And if you can’t live there, we highly recommend a visit to these countries.

Thanks for watching the video, and see you next time.