Each year, more than a million people come to the United States in the hope of their own “American dream.” Seeing that so many people want to live in America, you might think that this is the happiest country on Earth. But this is not so. The United States is in 18th place in the ranking of the happiest countries in the world, in the first one is one of the northern states (according to the 2018 World Happiness Report).
What do the territories offer from the top positions of this rating, which allows them to bypass the USA? To understand this, let’s compare the happiest countries on this list by unemployment, salary and housing costs, and maybe then we will understand where to buy happiness and whether it requires large financial costs in these states.
It is worth noting that Russia took 59th place in the ranking of happy countries, down 10 points compared to 2017.
18 – USA
• Average annual earnings: $ 46,467
• Unemployment 4.1%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1,199
There are many of the richest people on the planet living in the USA, but the country barely gets into the TOP-20 when it comes to happiness. In the index of “fragile” states in 2017, states are among the 21 countries with the most stable internal situation.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, one of the editors of the report, noted that the United States has moved from position 14 to 18 in the year. The main negative factors that drown the country in the ranking are obesity, general unresolved depression and substance abuse.
15 – Germany
• Average annual earnings: $ 55.824
• Unemployment 3.6%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 824
Germany remains one of the countries with the least favorable tax laws. At the same time, it remains one of the best in terms of unemployment in the world, which probably adds points in the ranking of happiness. Housing costs are average.
A survey of German Glucksatlas reported that Germans rate their happiness at 7.07 out of 10, which is dictated by the country’s healthy economic climate. Since the 1960s, the country has experienced rapid growth in domestic wealth and retains the status of holder of one of the strongest economies in the world..
14 – Ireland
• Average annual earnings: $ 48.638
• Unemployment 6.1%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1,472
Many people know that Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and the unemployment rate and the cost of rental housing are quite high. But at the same time, the Irish are much happier than most other peoples of the planet. Perhaps the driving force behind this happiness is their sense of community..
According to the OECD Better Life Index, 96% of people in Ireland believe that there is someone they can count on in an emergency or if necessary.
13 – Costa Rica
• Average annual earnings: $ 13.512
• Unemployment 9.3%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 513
Costa Rica is a country with one of the lowest average earnings per year. People here, on average, earn $ 33 thousand less than in the United States, and $ 22 thousand than in Israel. In terms of unemployment, Costa Rica in the list of 15 countries with the happiest residents is second only to Austria. Perhaps one of the favorable factors is the low cost of the population for medical support.
12 – Austria
• Average annual earnings: $ 39.090
• Unemployment 9.5%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 833
Austrians, on average, earn $ 10,000 less annually than U.S. citizens, and also face 31.9% income tax and high unemployment. Despite this, they enjoy their lives and opportunities, a high level of security, social security and overall satisfaction. Austria keeps fit and copes with public services through a very stable economy and a strong sense of community.
11 – Israel
• Average annual earnings: $ 35.052
• Unemployment 4%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 979
According to the World Happiness Report, strong social support is a key factor in ensuring the happiness of the Israeli population. It is characteristic that within the country most of the happiest people are occupied by immigrants from Russia. They evaluate their life in Israel much more positively than at home, although they experience setbacks and specific adverse effects..
10 – Australia
• Average annual earnings: $ 48.638
• Unemployment 5.5%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1.343
The happiest countries can not do without this distant continent.
Australia. In one year, it went down from 9th place to 10th in this rating, however, it still remains a happier country than the United States. 71% of the Australian population say they feel confident and optimistic about their future. Of great value for the rating is the fact that the most optimistic prospects for themselves are Australians aged 35 to 49 years (according to the Medibank Better Health Index).
9 – Sweden
• Average annual earnings: $ 43.181
• Unemployment 7%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 892
According to the index of “fragile” states of the world, people living and working in Sweden have lower annual wages and high unemployment rates compared to the United States. However, they live in one of the five countries in the world with the most stable economies. And also the interrogated population note that they keep priority time for enjoying life. Working people in the USA receive, on average, 16 days of paid leave (and often do not use them), and in Sweden – 25.
8 – New Zealand
• Average annual earnings: $ 46.758
• Unemployment 4.5%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1,065
Despite the fact that New Zealanders, on average, earn several thousand dollars more per year than U.S. citizens, New Zealand has a fairly high unemployment rate and a higher cost of living than in the states for all factors.
Residents of this country also pay higher taxes at a rate of 33% for top managers and 15% for goods and services. This money benefits citizens of the country, improves the quality of life after retirement, provides quality parenting, subsidizes health care and other important social areas.
7 – Canada
• Average annual earnings: $ 40.602
• Unemployment 5.9%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 920
On average, Canadians earn $ 6,000 less during the year than people in the United States. But at the same time, they pay income taxes at a lower tax rate. Perhaps that is why in Canada they love to smile so much.
6 – Netherlands
• Average annual earnings: $ 44,942
• Unemployment 4.2%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1.141
Although the Netherlands is one of the least loyal countries with regard to tax obligations, citizens of this country experience a higher level of satisfaction than people from the United States. In addition, they can rent housing at an average price of 6% lower and significantly save on products.
In the World Happiness Report, the Netherlands is called one of the most tolerant and hospitable countries, which also leads to high interest among immigrants.
5 – Switzerland
• Average annual earnings: $ 80.068
• Unemployment 3.3%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1.141
Where to buy happiness and how much does it cost? The top five are opened by Switzerland – the country with the highest average salary in the world, as well as one of the lowest unemployment rates. In many ways, this explains the high position of the state in this rating. In addition to these two factors, Switzerland maintains a very good political climate and stable economy – 3rd place in the world, according to the index of “fragile” states of the world.
4 – Iceland
• Average annual earnings: $ 73,431
• Unemployment 3.9%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1.778
In fact, to make any person happy, just look at the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. However, in this small and proud country, there are economic justifications for the happiness of the population. Iceland is one of the most economically stable countries in the world. Its citizens have an average income 58% higher than in the United States, and pay only 3% more income tax.
3 – Denmark
• Average annual earnings: $ 79.570
• Unemployment 4.2%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1,080
Even with a personal income tax of 36.2%, the Kingdom of Denmark is in third place in the ranking of countries with the happiest population. Like other countries on this list, Denmark has a strong economy, a good political climate and confidently ensures the social life of citizens.
2 – Norway
• Average annual earnings: $ 67.964
• Unemployment 4.1%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 1.312
With an income tax rate of 27.9%, it is difficult to make the average American happy, but Norwegian citizens are more than happy. Indeed, in this country, the best social and working conditions in the world that support a high quality of life.
Parents with children under 18 receive benefits for the upbringing and care of the younger generation, building a strong family and ensuring welfare. Citizens enjoy basic health care all their lives, and old people begin to receive a pension from 62 years old.
1 – Finland
• Average annual earnings: $ 50.098
• Unemployment 8.8%
• Monthly rental price 1-room. Housing: $ 917
Finland seems to be truly the happiest place in the world in 2018. And this is despite the fact that the Finns have to pay a tax on personal income of 30.8% and that the sun does not even appear in the northern part of the country for 51 days. The components of a good life are economic stability, good governance and strong social support. Even if Finland does not climb to first place in the ranking next year, it will definitely be among the best.
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What factors contribute to the happiness rankings of different countries? Is it primarily related to economic prosperity and high living standards or are there other key elements that determine a nation’s happiness level? Additionally, is happiness something that can be purchased, or does it come from within and personal fulfillment?
There are several factors that contribute to the happiness rankings of different countries. While economic prosperity and high living standards are important, they are not the only factors that determine a nation’s happiness level. Other key elements include social support, freedom, generosity, and levels of corruption.
Happiness is not solely dependent on material wealth and possessions. Personal fulfillment, strong social connections, a sense of purpose, and good mental and physical health also play a crucial role in determining individual and collective happiness. While money can certainly contribute to happiness to a certain extent by providing security and opportunities, true happiness ultimately comes from within and cannot be purchased. It is the result of feeling content, grateful, and satisfied with one’s life and circumstances.
What factors contribute to the happiness of a country and how can individuals find their own sources of happiness?