Do you live in one of the world’s happiest countries? Have you been to any of these and realised why they are considered among the happiest countries in the world? Whether you’re looking for beaches and hot summers or mountains and snow, you want to travel to a place full of happiness. There’s nothing more welcoming than a smile from a passerby in a foreign country, a place where the language may be alien, but you feel embraced by its culture, people, their way of life as a whole. It’s truly what makes a vacation, a weekend getaway, a honeymoon, a wedding abroad, and even a job re-location that much more enjoyable, effortless and happy.

The 10 happiest countries in the world, according to the 2017 UN World Happiness Report, rank highly on factors that support happiness: caring, generosity, health, freedom, honesty, income, and good governance. This report reveals how money doesn’t always make people happy, that it’s the little things in life (corny, but true) which contribute to the value of our lives. The world’s 10 happiest countries will make you… well, happy. And, here they are:

Norway

Norway is now the happiest country in the world, pushing Denmark to second! So, what makes this country and its people so happy? Between its vibrant culture, Jotunheimen National Park, extraordinary Norwegian fjords, the Arctic North, and its way of embracing every part of the natural world, Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime travel destination. You’ll definitely find your happy place when you travel here!

Village in Norway

Lakeside. Photo: monicore via Pixabay

Other than the unparalleled beauty of Norway, the country is an adventure paradise for travel lovers. Also, its cities are full of gorgeous architecture that showcases the country’s love of design. Whether you prefer to explore its mountains, valleys, coasts, and forests, or stick to the streets of villages and city centers, you’ll immediately feel welcome in the happiest country in the world.

Fjord in Norway

Norwegian Fjords. Photo: Henning Sørby via Pixabay

Denmark

The country that has come in first for many years has now taken second rung, though it has consistently secured its position at or near the top of every quality of life assessment. We are drawn to its cobble-stone streets, colorful cities, and natural beauty. Some of Denmark’s prettiest towns to travel to are Ribe, Ærøskøbing, Skagen, Svaneke, Ebeltoft, and Mariager.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Full of colors. Photo: Bente Jønsson via Pixabay

You can travel to the Danish Riviera or explore the coasts of South Zealand, a stunning stretch of landscape known for its white cliffs and sandy beaches and native wildlife. You can also travel to Copenhagen, arguably, Europe’s most charming capital. Copenhagen is the ideal combination of old and new, blending together bustling cafés with royal palaces and ancient cathedrals. Bike or walk through the city to discover its laid-back vibe.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark Markets. Photo: Sharon Ang via Pixabay

Iceland

With some of the highest-quality education and birth rates in the world (and a very low crime rate), a society that is culturally driven and energy-efficient, Icelanders are some of the happiest people on Earth. One of Iceland’s best hidden treasure coves is the country’s northwest corner, the Westfjords. Through unspoiled wilderness and a pleasant silence that seems to encompass the entire region, the Westfjords are frequently said to be an excellent travel destination. They’re a must-see for any explorer, adventurer, photographer, and nature lover!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo: Sharon Ang via Pixabay

The capital Reykjavík is a little region with a big heart. It’s the kind of place where you’ll pass by familiar faces on streets, near villages, at eateries, and enjoying the travel sites of this happy country. With a total population of only 120,000 people, a lot can happen in this small city. Take a walk to Austurvöllur, a green square in front of Parliament, or head down to Laugavegur, the “main street” of Iceland with shops, cafés, restaurants, and more.

Iceland

Land of Ice. Photo: huiling li via Flickr

Switzerland

Beyond the chocolate, clocks, and skiing, Switzerland is a contemporary world of four languages known for its urban culture and unique architecture. You should certainly add Switzerland’s capital, Bern, to your travel itinerary if you ever stumble into this happy, beautiful country. The city, with its scenic old town and world-class modern art, has an avant-garde culture scene. Between castles and chic restaurants, alpine views and nearby parks, Switzerland has it all!

Bern, Switzerland

Aerial Views. Photo: Čeština via Pixabay

Switzerland has made its people and its visitors extremely happy with a mission to continuously advance toward the new, yet preserve old memories, buildings, structures, homes, and the like. It will blow you away with its green pastures, rolling valleys, glacier mountains, fierce wildlife, and crystalline lakes. Travel to Switzerland for an amazing getaway!

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Yes!! Switzerland! Photo: rockingroshan via Flickr

Finland

Finland is easily one of the most pristine places in the world, as its towering forests, picturesque lakes, ones that look like artists painted its colors onto portraits, and Europe’s best hiking spots continue to amaze travel lovers year-round. National parks, networks of lakes and rivers, and untouched landscapes pepper the country, perfect for any travel photographer looking for the ideal setting. You can see bears, elk, and other wildlife on your travels to parks or explore by kayak or canoe.

Helsinki, Finland

Street Views. Photo: Sami C via Flickr

However, Finland isn’t just a country of pure wilderness. Busy, lively cities comprise of the country’s southernmost parts, Helsinki representing a cutting-edge urban center with high-level architecture, street performers, top-notch restaurants, and stylish shops. As one of the happiest countries in the world, Finland will satisfy all of your travel cravings, making you fall in love with its charm.

Helsinki, Finland

Rooftop Relaxing. Photo: Anastasia Borisova via Pixabay

Netherlands

Netherlands is where tradition and innovation come together to create a masterpiece of modern architecture and nightlife that will have you coming back for more. Like New York City, the cities of Netherlands never sleep, always full of excitement and new events. Street-level, you’ll find bustling street markets with fresh produce, flowers, ice cream, cheese, and more. What people love most about the Netherlands is its upbeat spirit. Anything is possible when you travel to this happiest country in the world.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Lovely Amsterdam. Photo: Kirk Fisher via Pixabay

Amsterdam, the capital, is one of the most visited cities in the world. Between its famous canal ring and world-renowned architecture, this city will blow your mind. This beautiful city is usually the starting point of travel adventures, since many are drawn to its museums, canals, shops, market squares, and more. You’ll feel at home in this European city and in one of the happiest countries when you travel here.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

City Rain. Photo: Derren Hodson via Flickr

Canada

Canada is a glory of nature, and it isn’t a shocker that it made the top 10 list of the happiest countries in the world. From surfing in Tofino and walking through the historical centers of Old Quebec to the cultural streets of Toronto and skiing in the Rockies, Canada offers an incredible range of travel adventures in its regions. It’s a travel paradise for all kinds of explorers and adrenaline-seekers, one where Instagram-worthy views combine with city, nightlife splendor.

Quebec, Canada

Quebec. Photo: Albert Dezetter via Pixabay

What’s unbelievably cool is its endless summer in the Yukon Territory. They weren’t kidding when they said it’s 24/7 of sunlight (what they call the Midnight Sun). The locals like to take full advantage of the vitamin D from June to September after the cold months of the year. You can spend days (literally) without ever stopping your travel adventure: hiking, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and more. Travel to Canada to experience its spectacular natural beauty.

British Columbia, Canada

Canadian Views. Photo: James Wheeler via Pixabay

New Zealand

New Zealand, relaxing, green, peaceful, and beautiful, is the perfect travel escape. With delicious food, rolling hills and hedgerows, sublime forests, beaches, mountains, lakes, and fjords, New Zealand is a treat. You’ll definitely feel pampered in this picture-perfect country of natural landscapes, a place where you can relax with ease, without worry, without responsibility. Chill at this amazing travel destination and you’ll come back for more.

Auckland, New Zealand

Port-Side. Photo: Rudi Hofer via Pixabay

There are about 4.6 million New Zealanders, so you’ll never feel lonely; but, it’s remote enough in places sto truly kick back in the silence of nature. And, what happier country to explore than the home of Middle Earth? As a fun fact, more than 150 locations throughout New Zealand were used to film The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy. You’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of Frodo on your travel journey in this stunning country. Travel to New Zealand for adventure and nature – a travel experience of a life time.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Photo: dave.see via Flickr

Australia

Australia is a country that gets its beauty from its red sands, cliffs, and coast, a travel destination with which you’ll fall in love. Through coastlines, world-class beaches, famous art museums, tropical rainforests, there’s much adventure in store. With nearly 89% of Australians living in its cities, the glorious settings of natural landscapes are secluded enough to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sydney, Australia

Night Life. Photo: Wim Kantona via Pixabay

In the wild, you’ll be able to see kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, wallabies, platypus, crocodiles, dingoes, and more astonishing wildlife. Australia also is home to more than 700 bird species. It’s an extraordinarily stunning place to travel around, with surprises at every turn.

Sydney Harbor, Australia

Sydney Harbor. Photo: Jerome Yewdalll via Flickr

Sweden

Our last travel stop and the 10th happiest country in the world is Sweden. With its frozen landscapes, coastal cottages, vast forests, rocky islands, and medieval cities, Sweden has it all. You’ll be surrounded by seaside fortresses, soaring castles and charming villages. It’s hard not to fall for the cool aesthetics of this amazing country. Sweden will make your travel experience unforgettable.

Stockholm, Sweden

Walking the Streets. Photo: Sharon Ang via Pixabay

The best thing about Sweden travel is its natural beauty. TWhether you choose to sail across an archipelago to an island or hike along a trail through the wilderness, you’ll be experiencing its true glory. Hike, bike, camp, ski, boat, and photograph to explore Sweden. There’s never a dull moment in one of the happiest countries in the world. Get ready for a travel adventure!

Stockholm, Sweden

A Game of Chess. Photo: Pelle Sten via Flickr

Happy travels in the happiest countries!

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