The Gross National Happiness, a philosophy popularised by the Government of Bhutan, has caught on, spawning annual happiness reports (World Happiness Report) and even a resolution by the UN General Assembly urging member nations to follow Bhutan’s example by upholding being happy for a holistic approach to development. Happiness was, in effect, classified as a ‘fundamental human goal’ by the United Nations.
While the 2018 World Happiness Report, which ranked 156 countries on factors like Gross Domestic Product, life expectancy, social support, generosity, freedom and corruption in addition to happiness levels of immigrants, saw Bhutan listed at number 97, travellers seeking top happy destinations in the world have quite a few choices. Here is a quick look at some of the happiest countries in the world.
Finland
If you want to start your happy itinerary with the world’s happiest country, then book tickets to Finland; it overtook the proud tag from Norway last year. It won the top ranking not because it is the richest, but because it has the least percentage of the so-called ‘working poor’. While here, visit Helsinki’s Temppeliaukion Rock Church, which is carved directly on the bedrock. Described as an architectural marvel, it invites visitors to simply sit there and commune with nature. Also check out Veijo Ronkkonen’s sculpture garden, featuring a 500-strong collection of stone sculptures in various yogic asanas, and make time to visit the Design District Helsinki, which brings creative people together.
Norway
The second in the list of happiest countries, Norway has been a top favourite, thanks to its welfare measures, global prosperity indexes and its stunning landscapes. Its two major attractions – Midnight Sun for two months from mid-May to mid-July and Northern Lights from October to March – are enough reasons to visit Norway. It also boasts architectural splendour in its quaint cities, some of which are more than a thousand years old. For sports enthusiasts, its year-round skiing option is the best lure. Happiness guaranteed.
Denmark
The country that popularised ‘hygge’ has to be one of the happiest. Hygge, which basically means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying good things in life with good people, is a tradition in Denmark. The concept has spread to everyday affairs, even furniture, to highlight the importance attached to it. The country is endowed with pleasant weather and has a host of eateries to cater to foodie travellers. It has pristine beaches; fortresses and castles alongside UNESCO Heritage sites; Viking villages and historical towns; and a host of outdoor activities, ranging from biking and hiking to kayaking and water sports.
Iceland
Iceland, like Norway, has its share of Midnight Sun and Northern Lights to make it a must-visit destination. Branded as the most peaceful and fair country in the North Atlantic, its bright summer nights – from mid-May to late July – with 24-hour daylight are what attract tourists. Its location on the top of the world has helped it become the perfect destination to catch the Northern Lights or aurora borealis, which is visible from September to mid-April. The Icelandic Geothermal Baths are its biggest draws. These natural pools, endowed with valuable natural resources, can be found all around the country. Full of happiness everywhere.
Switzerland
There is something magical about Switzerland that has wowed itself to not just tourists and visitors, but also filmmakers who prefer to shoot romantic sequences with its striking vistas as the backdrop. With a host of confectionery outlets and a range of culinary masterpieces, it has become a foodie destination, more so for chocolate lovers. It is a haven for nature lovers with its picture-postcard scenic vistas, picturesque train rides, visuals of popular Matterhorn with its almost-perfect four-sided pyramidal peak and its rolling countryside featuring agritourism. Happiness yes!
Netherlands
Windmills and tulips and canals and cheese… Netherlands has so much to add to its happiness quotient. Its liberal rules and positive policies have made it an exciting tourist destination. It is a perfect hub for art lovers with most major Dutch cities having at least one dedicated museum for art history with priceless artworks, alongside galleries with modern and contemporary art.