Calling all Danes! Denmark has officially been named the happiest country in the world!
According to the World Happiness Report, there are six factors that all contribute to a happy, mentally healthy nation; and Denmark appears to be spot-on in all six categories! The six factors are split evenly between concerns on a governmental and a human scale, and include everything from lack of corruption and high GDP to an open culture of generosity and a sense of general social support.
“There is now a rising worldwide demand that policy be closely aligned with what really matters to people as they characterize their own well-being,” economist Jeffrey Sachs said in a statement about the Report; and the Danish seem to have that down to a science!
The Danes give new families 52 weeks paid paternal leave, use healthcare as a system of social support, prioritize gender equality consistently and effectively, bike everywhere (biking accounts for half of all commute travel!), and the citizens generally tend to have a more optimistic outlook on life.
In a place where the sun shines fewer than 7 hours in the depth of winter, it’s pretty important to take care of yourself and make sure your mood doesn’t decline without all that Vitamin D. They’ve developed the concept of hygge to combat that – which essentially includes the consumption of chocolate, coffee, and wine, all with your nearest and dearest friends and family in a room well-lit by candlelight.
Seems like those Danes know what they’re doing when it comes to personal happiness. What do you think, Mag fans? How’s Canada doing in comparison? Would you place us near Denmark on the list?