The World Happiness Report, published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, is in for 2018! What does that mean for you? A great excuse to travel to the happiest countries in the world. Based on factors including social support, freedom and generosity, these tourist hot spots ranked in the top 10.
Here are the happiest countries in the world, ranked.
- Australia
At number 10 on our list of the happiest countries in the world is our neighbour from down under. With amazing beaches, iconic natural wonders and action-packed cities – what’s not to love? Whether you’re chilling out on the beaches of Bondi or Surfers Paradise, diving with marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, pub-hopping in Melbourne or crocodile-spotting in the Northern Territory, there’s so much to love about Straya.
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- Sweden
OK, this one’s a bit further away. Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, is one of the world’s great cities, with a charming, historic Old Town, the grand Royal Palace, a quirky ABBA museum and the City Hall, where the Nobel Banquet is held each year. There’s also the winter wonderland of the Scandinavian Mountains and a wealth of outdoor adventures to enjoy, like horse riding, ice-skating, dog-sledding and kayaking.
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- New Zealand
In 8th place, it’s home sweet home! Sure, sometimes it’s nice to take a trip somewhere else, but the fact is, we’ve got things pretty good right here. New Zealand’s landscapes are a favourite backdrop for blockbuster movies and the country is a top travel bucket list destination, with dramatic beaches, adrenaline adventure sports, exciting Maori culture and the waterfalls and peaks of Milford Sound inspiring people from all around the world. If you’ve never done it, don’t miss a visit to the adventure hotspot of Queenstown, hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and seeing the geysers and boiling mud pools of Rotorua.
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- Canada
Canada offers every type of holiday a traveller could want, with an exhilarating mix of cosmopolitan cities and incredible natural wonders. Experiences to choose from include visiting the powerful Niagara Falls, seeing the CN Tower in Toronto, skiing at Whistler, hiking in the Pacific Rim National Park and soaking up the European-style charm of Quebec. That’s all without mentioning the phenomenal wildlife spotting opportunities, with black bears, moose, elk and cougars roaming free.
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- The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a liberal country, famous for Amsterdam’s red-light district and the city’s ‘coffee-shops’. There’s much more to this happy country though, with fields of tulips, Dutch windmills, cheese, clogs and national parks. Riding a bike through Amsterdam lets you explore winding canals, quaint bridges and attractions such as Vondelpark, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
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- Switzerland
Everyone’s seen the postcard-perfect scenes of pristine, alpine landscapes. Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and you’d be forgiven for thinking its prettiness couldn’t possibly be real. Tourists come for cheese and chocolate, skiing in the Swiss Alps, the majestic architecture of Zurich, lakes Lucerne and Geneva and to glimpse the peaks of the mighty Matterhorn in Zermatt. It’s no surprise that Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world.
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- Iceland
Otherworldly Iceland is a realm of magical landscapes. Most locals live in or near the capital Reykjavik, which has a party reputation due to a vibrant range of bars, pubs and clubs. But it’s the natural wonders that draw the largest gasps from travellers, with flowing lava fields, glaciers, whale watching, dramatic mountains and the mighty waterfalls of Glymur, Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss.
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- Denmark
Standards are high everywhere in Denmark, from luxury hotels to cheap food stalls, so it’s not surprising that it’s one of the world’s happiest countries. Folklore, fairy tales and fun capture the heart of travellers from all walks of life. It’s the home of Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid Statue, Tivoli Gardens amusement park, grand palaces, quaint cobbled streets and unbelievably delicious ice cream.
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- Norway
Taking out the number two spot is Norway, with its incredible fjords attracting cruise ship passengers from across the globe. Here, you can delve into Viking history in Bergen, discover epic views from the mountain ranges of Tromso and take to the slopes of Lillehammer. Norway is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights and experience the ‘white nights’ of summer, in the midnight sun.
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- Finland
Topping the list is Finland, ranked first in our list of the happiest countries in the world. Being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, it’s no wonder Finnish people are a joyful bunch. The happiest in fact, according to the World Happiness Report. Unspoilt nature no doubt adds to the lifestyle, with incredible lakes, snowy landscapes and abundant wildlife. It’s also the home of Santa Claus and literally millions of Finnish saunas, for health and relaxation.
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*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on nz.kayak.com on 16 July 2018. The prices are quoted in NZD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
