SEATTLE — Type of government, income, health, environment — all these aspects contribute to the happiness of a country’s citizens. Poverty is accompanied by government corruption and a poor economy, causing civil unrest and unhappiness. Here is a list of the countries that are doing it right and serving their citizens to their utmost ability; the so-called happiest countries in the world.
10. El Salvador
Food, family and nature: these are the staples of life in El Salvador and work together to make Salvadorans some of the happiest people in the world.
Photo: World Travel Guide
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
9. Sweden
Sweds have a lot to smile about, whether it’s their entrepreneurial options, opportunity or freedom.
Photo: NTH-Mobile
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
8. Belize
Belize is home to people from many different backgrounds who all live in harmony in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Photo: Destination 360
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
7. The Netherlands
This country has a life satisfaction score of nine out of 10. Residents of the Netherlands have a great balance between work and relaxation, not to mention a thriving job market.
Photo: Zastavki
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
6. Colombia
Colombia has incredible biodiversity and beautiful ecosystems, and Colombians are free to enjoy it with high numbers of national holiday leave.
Photo: USA Today
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
5. Canada
Canada scores among the highest-rated in personal freedom and education. This, combined with high average income and a long life expectancy, make Canadians very happy people.
Photo: The Windsor Star
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
4. Vietnam
Vietnam, the land of smiles, is the happiest country in Asia. Its high tourism bolsters the economy, and high levels of life satisfaction makes the Vietnamese among the happiest people in the world.
Photo: University of Michigan
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
3. Denmark
According to The Huffington Post, Danish citizens are some of the happiest people in the world because “health care is a basic right, gender equality is prioritized, biking is considered the norm and citizens feel a responsibility toward one another.”
Photo: Wall Paper Pics
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
2. Norway
With leading scores in the economy and social capital sub-indexes, Norwegians are some of the happiest people in the world. Ninety-five percent of people say they are satisfied with the freedom they have to choose the direction of their lives.
Photo: Points and Travel
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
1. Costa Rica
“Pura Vida,” meaning “life is good,” is a popular saying in Costa Rica, and life truly is good for people living in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Photo: Mt. SAC
Source: Life Cheat Sheet
– Sarah Dalgleish
Article Source: Life Cheat Sheet
Featured Photo: Swide