Newsroom
What Other Countries Can Learn from the World’s Happiest Nations
Every year, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland rank at the top of the World Happiness Report. Their success is not accidental. It’s the result of intentional choices that make life safer, more balanced, and more connected. Other countries, regardless of size or economic power, can adapt these lessons to improve their citizens’ well-being.
1. Put People First
Nordic countries understand that strong societies are built by prioritising human needs over statistics. Universal healthcare, accessible education, and reliable safety nets help reduce the anxiety of “what if” moments, such as job loss, illness, or old age.
In Finland, someone who loses their job doesn’t automatically lose access to healthcare. They receive unemployment benefits and opportunities for retraining, keeping them engaged and stable instead of desperate. This reduces crime, improves well-being, and increases life expectancy.
Statistics show that Iceland is the safest country in the world, with the lowest crime rate globally.
2. Build Trust
Citizens in Denmark and Finland generally believe their institutions act fairly and transparently. This trust makes people more willing to follow laws and engage in community programmes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Denmark’s public health measures were met with high compliance because citizens trusted that the information they received was honest and intended for their safety. This trust helped avoid the use of force and prevented widespread disobedience.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance
In these countries, productivity is not measured by how many hours you work but by how effectively you work. They view personal time as a necessity, not a luxury.
Swedish companies have tested six-hour workdays without reducing pay. Employees reported feeling healthier, more energised, and more present at home, while businesses found that efficiency and focus improved.
In Denmark, “leaving work on time” is a sign of good planning, not laziness. The idea that overworking equals success is much less common.
4. Promote Community and Connection
Strong social ties are a shared trait among the happiest nations. They actively create opportunities for people to connect.
Sweden’s fika is more than a coffee break. It’s a cultural pause where colleagues, friends, or even strangers slow down to talk.
Denmark’s hygge (pronounced as “hooga”) gatherings — sharing meals, lighting candles, and enjoying quiet company —help reduce loneliness and seasonal depression.
Urban design also plays a role. Public spaces like parks, libraries, and bike paths are intentionally built to encourage casual social interaction. These structural and cultural approaches improve the quality of life.
5. Protect Nature and People
Access to nature is treated as a right, not a privilege. Clean air, water, and green spaces are part of what keeps these countries consistently high in well-being rankings.
Iceland uses geothermal energy to heat nearly every home affordably. In the evenings, families and neighbours often gather in outdoor hot pools — a practice that strengthens communal bonds while benefiting health.
Sweden’s “Right to Roam” law (Allemansrätten) allows everyone to freely access forests, lakes, and countryside areas for hiking, camping, and other recreational purposes.
6. Encourage Equity and Inclusion
Happiness grows where opportunities are shared fairly. These nations actively design policies to reduce social gaps — between rich and poor, men and women, or minority and majority groups.
Sweden grants parents 480 days of paid leave to share. It’s common and socially accepted for fathers to take extended leave, reducing gender imbalance at work and strengthening family relationships.
Iceland also has one of the world’s smallest gender pay gaps, thanks in part to national laws that require equal pay for equal work.
In Summary
This article does not aim to compare countries but to offer valuable lessons that others can explore to improve their citizens’ well-being. Happiness isn’t random. It’s a result of intentional choices.
When we prioritise trust, equity, nature, and community, we build societies where people feel secure, supported, and connected.
What small change could your country make today to bring more balance, safety, and happiness tomorrow?
Also explore: Before It Grows: How to Spot and Stop Problems Early.
References
- World Happiness Report 2024 – Download PDF
- Life Expectancy by Country 2024 – worldometers.info
- BBC Worklife: The Six-Hour Workday Experiment
- The Little Book of Hygge – Meik Wiking
- Icelandic National Energy Authority – Geothermal Energy
- Parental Leave Information – forsakringskassan.se
