Who Are the Happiest People in Europe?

The residents of Western Europe are the happiest people in the world. True before the COVID-19 pandemic, this statement remains relevant today. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to factors such as regional stability, a robust level of economic development, the absence of local conflicts, and an exceptional quality of life.

An important milestone in understanding it was the World Happiness Report (WHR) first published in 2013. Almost immediately, it transitioned into an annual publication. What distinguishes WHR from other surveys is its rigorous academic methodology, transparent approach to processing raw data on the happiest places to live in the world, comprehensive reference material, and a representative sample size.

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The World Happiness Report authors did more than just suggest that Europeans are the world’s happiest people. They backed this assertion with solid evidence. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the relevance of such rankings might have been in doubt, Europe didn’t escape the social challenges faced by the rest of the world. However, people in the European Union stayed open-minded and happy.

It would be an oversimplification to attribute the positive outlook of EU citizens solely to economic factors and stability. Many developed nations worldwide have enjoyed decades without wars or local conflicts. Still, as the WHR report indicates, their residents don’t experience the same level of happiness as Europeans.

Independent experts argue that the primary reason European residents can rightfully claim to be the world’s happiest lies in their robust social support system. The commitment to equality, backed by the importance of social bonds for every individual and a profound respect for life itself, is a powerful motivator. In Europe, prioritizing the interests of society over individual ones is the norm. At the same time, priorities in Asia and America may differ somewhat.

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Discover other factors explaining why Europe is the happiest place in the world:

• high per capita GDP in most European Union nations
• guaranteed state support
• minimum corruption levels
• high living standards and longer life expectancies in nearly all of Western Europe
• maximum personal freedoms.

While these aspects are typically observed in many developed nations across the globe, Europe stands out for its distinctive focus on prioritizing the well-being and interests of individuals above all else. It is this distinct emphasis that sets the Old World as the happiest place in the world to live in.

The happiest countries in Europe

When a ranking is based on things that are hard to measure accurately, it’s normal to wonder if it’s really useful and relevant. Trying to measure the happiness of people in European nations can be tough. But the way the authors of the 2022 World Happiness Report did it lets us look closely at the big picture. That’s why it’s so valuable and important.

Below, you will find the metrics used to build the ranking:

• per capita GDP.
• social support for citizens that considers assistance from family and friends
• expected healthy lifespan, relying on WHO data from 2005 onwards
• maximum individual freedom
• generosity, a composite measure derived from the number of respondents who made charitable donations in the past month, relative to logarithmic GDP
• overall perception of corruption.

In the comparison tables below, the final criterion is Dystopia (1.83) + residual. This is a complex statistical index that is based on the Cantril ladder. It is calculated for a hypothetical country that does not exist in reality and has the lowest possible values for the first 6 variables. In essence, Dystopia serves as a standard here against which evaluated countries were compared.

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Finland

Finland is the happiest country in Europe. The nation effectively managed the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the government’s rapid and decisive actions. While the northern climate may not appeal to everyone, Finns themselves wouldn’t exchange their country for any other.

Here’s what the key characteristics of Finland include:

• abundant forests throughout the country
• sauna culture embraced by all Finns that is believed to bring relaxation, help combat depression, and foster happiness
• people who like swimming, hiking, and cycling
• warm and welcoming attitude toward visitors deeply ingrained in Finnish culture.

Danemark

Here’s further evidence that the happiest people in Europe reside in the Northern regions. Denmark’s way of life is founded on unwavering respect for differing viewpoints, tolerance, and a strong sense of community.

Here’s what the key characteristics of Danemark include:

• disciplined population (with 2/3 of citizens having received 3 COVID-19 vaccinations)
• harmonious balance between work and leisure, allowing individuals to pursue their personal interests
• strong societal unity, characterized by minimum income inequality
• shared commitment to fundamental values among all Danish citizens.

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Iceland

Iceland is not only ranked as the best country in the world for gender equality, but it also leads the way in Europe according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Icelanders are known for their discipline. Even in the face of high taxes, serious violations are rare. Despite the challenging climate, the descendants of Vikings find it alluring.

Here’s what the key characteristics of Iceland include:

• exceptionally high living standards
• socially oriented economy
• favorable demographics
• breathtaking northern landscapes
• access to free healthcare and education
• broad support of government initiatives among Icelandic citizens.

Switzerland

Switzerland is known as a top place in Europe for businesses and investments. People here enjoy a very good quality of life. They boast high incomes, making them the happiest in Europe. The only notable downside is the relatively high cost of living, which is why Switzerland ranks 4th in the World Happiness Report (it has never fallen below 6th place).

Here’s what the key characteristics of Switzerland include:

• pristine environmental conditions
• accessible modern infrastructure throughout the country
• breathtaking landscapes
• neutral political stance
• flourishing income levels among its citizens, with very few experiencing poverty.

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Netherlands

The Netherlands is a European nation with the highest degree of personal freedom. The government’s attitude toward numerous contentious issues, such as illicit substances, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia, remains notably neutral, and this approach hasn’t worsened the crime rates. The Dutch, who haven’t simply acquired freedom but have also learned to exercise it responsibly, are among the happiest European residents.

Here’s what the key characteristics of the Netherlands include:

• high level of public trust in the government
• unprecedented personal liberties
• prosperous incomes of its citizens
• mild and pleasant climate
• tidy and well-kept streets.

Take a look at the overall rankings of the happiest countries in Europe and globally:

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The happiest cities in Europe

The competition among cities is just as intense as it is among countries. This is because a happy city in Europe attracts tourists, entrepreneurs, and investors. This understanding is well-recognized within the European Union, leading countries to prioritize social welfare, healthcare, and related industries in their domestic policies.

Commissioned by Ivisa, the ranking of the top 10 happiest cities in Europe was featured on CNN in mid-August 2023. What sets the research apart from others is its focus on the top travel destinations. This approach is of even more practical significance as it demonstrates how appealing a specific city is to tourists, expats, and digital nomads.

These are the factors impacting the ranking of happy cities in Europe (with data sources indicated):

• Cost of living – Numbeo’s specialized index for 2023.
• Sunshine hours (average number of hours with clear weather per year) – World Weather and Climate Information.
• Length of the workweek – the OECD.
• Friendliness of the locals – the InterNations’ Expat Insider 2021 Report.
• Life expectancy – Worldometer.

Lisbon (Portugal)

* – In this and subsequent sections, the position is specified within a particular category in the overall ranking.

Here’s what makes Lisbon a happy city in Europe:

• mild climate
• multiple attractions
• extensive options for leisure and recreation
• lively nightlife
• outstanding cuisine
• spectacular beaches.

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Barcelona (Spain)

Here’s what makes Barcelona a happy city in Europe:

• heaven for football fans
• intriguing architecture
• idyllic beaches
• thriving nightlife
• cozy cafes and restaurants
• numerous festivals.

Athens (Greece)

Here’s what makes Athens a happy city in Europe:

• delightful cuisine and beverages
• breathtaking architecture
• affordable prices (compared to other European cities)
• exquisite beaches
• warm and welcoming attitude towards tourists.

Rome (Italy)

Here’s what makes Rome a happy city in Europe:

• ancient architectural treasures
• unique culinary delights
• numerous attractions catering to diverse interests
• romantic ambiance
• landmark destination for football aficionados.

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Madrid (Spain)

Here’s what makes Madrid a happy city in Europe:

• wealth of medieval architecture
• vibrant food markets
• chance to see members of the royal family in person
• bullfighting
• multitude of museums
• thriving nightlife
• exquisite cuisine
• pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Istanbul (Turkey)

Here’s what makes Istanbul a happy city in Europe:

• enchantment of ancient streets
• unique fusion of traditions and modernity
• remarkable (at times, quite warm) friendliness of the locals
• captivating cuisine
• outstanding beachside leisure experience.

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Brighton (United Kingdom)

Here’s what makes Brighton a happy city in Europe:

• abundant opportunities to live a bohemian life
• laid-back atmosphere
• numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars
• favorable ecological environment.

Vienna (Austria)

Here’s what makes Vienna a happy city in Europe:

• cosmopolitan metropolis
• friendly attitude towards foreigners
• astonishing fusion of business hustle and relaxation amenities
• mild climate
• Vienna ranks among the cleanest cities in Europe
• vibrant cultural scene.

Paris (France)

Here’s what makes Paris a happy city in Europe:

• perpetual festive atmosphere
• iconic cafes and restaurants in the tranquil city center
• superb living conditions for foreigners
• open-mindedness towards all that is unconventional and unfamiliar
• chance to live on a reasonably modest budget.

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Stockholm (Sweden)

Here’s what makes Stockholm a happy city in Europe:

• numerous festivals and festivities
• cafes and restaurants offering Nordic cuisine delights
• breathtaking northern lights
• open-air museums for cultural exploration
• robust and steady economy
• exceptionally high standards of social welfare
• welcoming and xenophobia-free atmosphere.

Below, you will find the consolidated ranking of the happiest cities in the world across all categories with table explanations:

• [1] – composite index
• [2] – hours per month
• [3] – hours per week
• [4] – ranking position in a specific category.

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For more information, take a look at the articles below:

• The Friendliest Countries and Cities of Europe for Tourists and Expats in 2023
• The Wealthiest Cities in Europe: GDP per Capita Rating
• Best Cities for Executive Digital Nomads in 2023
• Top Richest Cities in the World in 2023
• Top 10 Cities to Retire

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