The World's Happiest Countries In 2022 Are Here

Jordan Claes
Globe on a desk.
Unsplash | Arpit Rastogi

Does happiness depend on your geographic location? Is there something in the water or from the land that makes certain places more adept for the thriving human spirit? As it turns out — the answer is yes.

Thanks to the 2022 World Happiness Report, seasoned jet setters and would-be travelers now have a definitive list of the happiest countries on earth in which to live and travel to. So grab your map, pack up your things, and let's go on an adventure!

Travel is an essential component of the human condition.

Travel gear.
Unsplash | Annie Spratt

There are hundreds of books that can tell you all about the life and works of Michelangelo, but the only way to discover what it smells like inside the Sistine Chapel is to go there, look up, and experience it for yourself.

Therein lies the true difference between knowledge and experience — it's in the doing of things.

Backpackers traveling through the mountains.
Unsplash | Felix Rostig

It can be daunting at first and difficult to decipher where to begin. So if you're a first-time wanderer looking for a place to start, here's a guide to 10 of the happiest places on earth for you to visit.

Finland

Aerial view of Helsinki, Finland.
Unsplash | Julius Jansson

According to the 2022 World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country on earth. This beautifully breathtaking country is the perfect spot to witness the Northern Lights, and if you happen to be near Lapland — you can also visit the birthplace of Santa Claus!

Denmark

View of Copenhagen marina.
Unsplash | Nick Karvounis

The Danes rank high on the happiness charts year after year. The country is well-known for its incredible design work and eye-popping architecture, as well as its free education/universal healthcare system. Denmark is also where Hans Christian Anderson, author of "The Little Mermaid" and "The Snow Queen" hailed from.

Iceland

Iceland hot springs.
Unsplash | Frank Denney

Iceland has a small but overwhelmingly happy population of just over 366,000 people, most of whom live in the capital city of Reykjavik. The country is known all the world over for its scenic beauty, natural hot springs, and widespread tolerance.

Switzerland

Alps in Switzerland.
Unsplash | Marco Meyer

Switzerland is one of the most expensive places on earth to visit, but in this case — the juice is well worth the squeeze. The Swiss are renowned for being some of the best chocolatiers the world has to offer, and it's also the country that invented fondue!

The Netherlands

Amsterdam downtown.
Unsplash | Callum Parker

There once was a time when Amsterdam was considered the world's hub for lechery debauchery. Nowadays, the "Red Light District" has all but disappeared, but you can still enjoy a pleasant bike ride all throughout the town's center and beyond.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg downtown.
Unsplash | Polina Sushko

Luxembourg has become a melting pot for all European nations. Although it may be small, geographically speaking, Luxembourg is one of the richest countries in the world. It's also renowned all the world over for its delectable wines.

Sweden

Swedish parade.
Giphy

The Swedes have a lot more to offer the world than hard-to-put-together IKEA furniture. The country's population boasts one of the highest life expectancies of anywhere on earth, and the country is also the birthplace of one of the world's defining pop music bands — ABBA.

Norway

Aurora borealis in Norway.
Unsplash | Johny Goerend

Norway is where Mother Nature goes to show off and flex her muscles. Known for its crystal-clear lakes and endless fjords, the country also boasts a wealth of interesting historical tidbits — such as the Viking explorations in the 9th-11th centuries.

New Zealand

New Zealand aerial view.
Unsplash | Rod Long

Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkein's "Lord of the Rings"? Do you enjoy relishing in nature's pristine beauty; are you a fan of Flight of the Conchords? If you answered yes to all of the above, then the happy country of New Zealand should be atop of the list for your next destination vacation.