Did you know that Denmark is ranked among the happiest countries in the world? According to a variety of studies and surveys, the Danes are so satisfied with the country that they're able to confidently say that they're living happy lives. In this day and age, such optimism almost seems rare, don't you think? Well, be that as it may, there must be a lot of reasons why, in a very troubled world, Denmark remains a happy country overall. Here are the top five which can help others understand why the Danes, no matter their circumstances, are still happy in Denmark.
Denmark is A Peaceful Country
Denmark is far from what many would regard as a powerhouse country. Though it ranks within the 50 most powerful countries in the world
according to US News, it's not necessarily a headline-grabbing nation. But be that as it may, this isn't exactly a bad thing. For the most part, this means that Denmark, as a whole, is a peaceful country. There are little to no internal conflicts here as well as very few troubles against other nations. In a hassle-free place like this, it's no wonder that Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world
Denmark's Open Society
Generally speaking, the Danes are pretty reserved, more or less. They can be strict when it comes to following the rules and
social customs, but when it comes to society, they're pretty open and liberal. Though they mind if you talk too loudly or don't follow instructions, they won't, however, care how you live your life. The best proof for this is the fact that Denmark is one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. It was one of the first to legalize same-sex activity in 1933 and eventually legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. With a welcoming society like this, is there still any question as to why the Danes are so happy?
Proper Welfare
When the government takes proper care of its people, they'll expectedly become the happiest country in the world. This rings true with Denmark. The country's welfare system is among the best in the world, complete with universal
Danish healthcare, subsidized childcare, free education for both Danish students and those coming from other EU countries, and more. It's even come to a point where Danes are actually happy to
pay taxes because they know that they'll get a lot in return. While other countries stress out about their own welfare and tax systems, Denmark has no problem at all.
Work-Life Balance
Denmark also boasts a stable
job market and a good economy. Even after the global pandemic, the country has retained its one-digit unemployment rate at 3.6%. With so many opportunities for well-earning and stable professions, it's to be expected that people who live here will be happy. But it doesn't stop there! Even Denmark's work culture contributes to the country's high ranking among the happiest countries in the world. With a standard 37 hours per week and the Flexicurity model (which benefits both employer and employee), the Danes get to enjoy a work-life balance that's coveted around the world.
It’s All About Hygge
Finally, here in Denmark, they have a local concept called '
Hygge.' What's
Hygge, you ask? Its textbook definition is a quality of comfort that leads to contentment. But among the Danes, it's a way of life that ensures they enjoy the good things in life. You can mostly think of it like a sort of break, relatively similar to the Spanish '
siesta' though it doesn't have to involve sleeping. Spending quality time with family, enjoying a hot meal, having a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon—these and more constitute what
hygge is all about. This small escape from daily troubles help achieve maximum satisfaction, contentment, and of course, ultimate happiness.
In this day and age, it's almost impossible to think that some countries can be regarded as the 'happiest in the world.' But Denmark has earned such a title and there are many reasons as to why. Overall, it only makes you want to go here even more!
