Denmark – the Happiest People in the World. Denmark has been recognised as ‘the happiest country in the world’ so why wouldn’t we want to share in this joie de vivre. This was determined by the UN who looked at the GDP, life expectancy, social support, perceptions of corruption, and freedom to make life choices. They are also totally trusting of one another which makes them happy. So Denmark receives a resounding A+ for being happy.We are going to look at some other factors in what makes this nation so very happy.
Australians have an affinity with the Danish people. After all Princess Mary who is married to the Danish Prince Frederick is Australian, and they seem happy people. The architect of our beautiful Sydney Opera House, Jorn Utzon was Danish, but I don’t think he was happy with Australia being idiots with the politicking involved in this stunning piece of architecture. It doesn’t matter as he went home to a happy country.
So what makes these Danes happy little people?
- They are super patriotic, and right now having been named the happiest country in the world, they are grinning from ear to ear. Australia is #9
- The Danes are very obedient about waiting for the correct signal to cross the roads, even in the middle of the night when no cars are around that even this makes them happy.
- They are psychos on their bikes. They bike everywhere at breakneck speeds, and this is the rebellious yet joyous side of their happy personalities.
- They leave their babies outside in prams because it is so safe and it is accepted and expected. Maybe it is something about letting sleeping babes lie. The babies are happy.
- It is the home of Lego, and playing with Lego makes everyone happy. Right? There has got to be something in that for all of us
- People are so happy that there is a very low suicide rate. Why top yourself when you can be this happy
- There are only 7000 names that you can choose from to name your child otherwise you deal with the church. That saves a lot of argument over whether you should call your child Apple or Ace or even Monalisa. Your choices are fairly limited to Christian, Isabella or William.
- They have a belief in Hygge, which is “a complete absence of anything annoying, irritating or emotionally overwhelming, and the presence of and pleasure from comforting, gentle and soothing things.” Now if that doesn’t make you happy, then you are living in the wrong country. You just believe in Hygge, and all annoying problems will vanish.
- Even though Denmark has odd shopping hours and the shops close as people finish work for the day, instituting Hygge means that if you forgot the milk or bread, it doesn’t matter really.
- The Danes are happy because they very liberal with pretty much everything
- The Danes are happy to not discuss their religious views. It is considered a private thing .so don’t make them unhappy by bringing that topic up at the dinner table.
- The Danes are so happy that no one talks on public transport
- People ‘enjoy’ spending a day at the cemetery
- They love festivals and celebrations and music which can be heard everywhere. These would make anyone happy.
- University is free to attend, so parents are really happy.
So these are some very interesting things and good reason to visit the happy country of Denmark.
Did I mention the happy Vikings?
Catch up with our efforts so far in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge
A for Australia, a b****** foul mouth nation,
Tomorrow on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. We are look at a country starting with “E” perspective of our theme “A weird and Zany world”
I love Copenhagen, spent some time there and love to go back any time. Friendly, relaxed, practical, no-fuzz.
One thing to consider though, about happiness of Danish (and other Scandinavian nations) is the sky high rate of anti-depressant consumption.
Why do they need meds, if they are sooo happy?
Wow, didn’t know that. I wonder why. Must look into that
Agree that Danes are the Happiest People in the World. 😀
I bet you are Danish 🙂
We’ve only spent a few hours in Denmark, exploring Copenhagen during a connecting flight, and unfortunately as an outsider the high prices made us unhappy. But I can see why the Danes are so happy – how can you be sad in the place where “The Danish” (pastry) comes from?
LOL, seems all of the lovely places are expensive – us in Australia, Switzerland and Denmark. Thank goodness for cake 🙂
I like this one: – The Danes are so happy that no one talks on public transport.
Germans must be happy, too, then.
As my expat friends who live there may explain. The Danes are so happy they don’t need to make any new friends.
That is hilarious. Thanks for the comment .. makes one think doesn’t it.
That’s the one.
Just like Swedes: in Stockholm (where I lived for 7 years), it’s basically only foreigners who talk or seem to have any human contact with others in the subway.
Shame, because it is always nice to talk to local people
Loved this post! I can vouch for them being maniacs on bikes. I don’t know how many times I was nearly run over by a bike…it had nothing to do with me not looking the right way or forgetting that they do have right of way!
It’s such a beautiful country, why wouldn’t they be happy!
Seems that so many countries have manic traffic. In Vietnam I thought that I would walk around the block for a month it was that scary to cross the road. I ended up doing it with my eyes shut mostly.
The beautiful nation of Denmark – what a great choice for letter D in the A to Z Challenge! I overheard that another great website was featuring this very same country, you may want to check it out (hint, hint).
We are actually going to the Ryder Cup in Scotland in September this year and we are flying into Copenhagen for a few days prior to this for the first time and are really looking forward to it. I have always wanted to visit the Scandinavian countries so this is going to be a cool experience. It’s nice to meet a bunch of folks that are stereotypically happy and always in a good mood – that leads to you being made to feel welcome there as tourists!
Looking forward to read your D. We are all doing so well in this challenge so far. It is actually fun bar for having tradesmen at the house and every possible thing coming up to attempt to distract me. I have no doubt that this is the same for everyone.
My husband had a student in his class whose life goal was to move to Denmark. I guess he did his research!
I hope he achieved his goal. It certainly has a lot going for it, if some quirky things as we all have. Thanks for your comment.
Baaahhahahaaaa “Why top yourself when you can be this happy” I will be laughing about that all day. fabulous and funny post.
Thanks, appreciate that you get my humour :))
Wow D already?! I just posted my C! Guess thats what happens when we’re on opposite sides of the world! I would have never thought of Denmark being the happiest in the world! And people enjoy spending a day at the cemetary? Wow!