German poet and novelist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote:
He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.
I don’t know if or how Goethe correlated peace and happiness, but in my estimation home is both. A place to find peace and happiness. In recent times, the home has — due to the pandemic — become much more than our place to live. It’s become the workplace, a homeschooling spot for our children, or a virtual party station.
In these times, it’s all the more important that our home brings us joy and happiness. According to the newest World Happiness Report 2021, some countries are home to particular happy citizens. Let’s explore the 20 happiest places on earth mentioned in this 9th annual report.
The list
This list is structured as follows: Below the name of the country, you’ll find the placing from last year’s report, the total population, and a short paragraph about the country.
20. France
Not in the top 20 last year | Population: 67,413,000
The French Republic consists of metropolitan France and several overseas regions and territories in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
19. China
Not in the top 20 2020 | Population: 1,444,390,177
The most populated country on earth cracked the top 20 this year. As one of the largest countries, China has a long tradition and a diverse culture.
18. United Kingdom
Down 5 spots | 67,886,004
With its long, outstanding history, this sovereign country is constituted of several big and small islands like Great Britain, the north-eastern part of Ireland, and the British Isles.
17. Belgium
Up 3 spots | Population: 11,492,641
This Western European kingdom border the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea.
16. Czech Republic
Up 3 spots | Population: 10,701,777
This central-European republic is not only one of the happiest places on earth, but it’s also named one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world.
15. Canada
Down 4 spots | Population: 38,048,738
Right after their neighbors from the USA, Canada is number 15 in the happiness scoring 2021. The second-largest country (by area) is known for its diverse wildlife, nature, scenery, and sports like Ice Hockey.
14. United States
Up 4 spots | Population: 331,449,281
The USA has a steady spot in the top 20 happiest countries worldwide. The third most populated country is one of the most diverse and powerful.
13. Ireland
Up 3 spots | Population: 4,980,527
The green island in the Atlantic Ocean is separated from Great Britain through the Irish Sea. It’s the third-largest island in Europe.
12. Australia
Same spot as 2020 | Population: 25,811,700
The country and continent of Australia is home to a diverse nature, fauna, and culture. The land down under is the world’s sixth-largest country.
11. Israel
Up 3 spots from 14th 2020 | Population: 9,356,640
The second non-European country on this list is defined by its long and rich history. It’s situated in the Middle East between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
10. Austria
Down from 9th place | Population: 8,935,112
This Alpine country with its rich history is the gateway to Southern Europe. It borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
9. New Zealand
Down one place | Population: 5,122,670
As the first non-European country in this happiness report, New Zealand — on the opposite part of the world — is home to unique flora and fauna and the Maori culture.
8. Norway
Down from 5th place 2020 | Population: 5,391,369
Norway is the northern end of Scandinavia, home to a beautiful landscape and the famous polar lights.
7. Germany
Climbed up 10 spots from 17th 2020 | Population: 83,190,556
My home country is on a roll, climbing up to 7th place in 2021. Germany is the 2nd most populated country in Europe and — as the center of Europe — it borders 9 other European countries.
6. Sweden
Up from 7th place 2020 | Population: 10,385,347
The Kingdom of Sweden borders Norway and Finland and is connected with Denmark through a bridge-tunnel. It’s the birthplace of IKEA.
5. the Netherlands
Up from 6th place 2020 | Population: 17,602,600
This Western European country also holds three islands in the Caribbean: Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.
4. Switzerland
Down from 3rd 2020 | Population: 8,570,146
The neutral country in the heart of Europe is defined by its beautiful landscape, with mountainsides, rivers, streams, and lakes.
3. Denmark
Down from 2nd place 2020 | Population: 5,843,347
Sharing borders with Germany, Sweden, and Norway, Denmark is the entryway to Scandinavia with gorgeous beaches along the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
2. Iceland
Jumped up from 4th place 2020 | Population: 364,134
The island in the North Atlantic Ocean is home to uniquely beautiful nature with lava fields, mountains, glaciers, and geysers.
1. Finland
Won 2020 | Population: 5,536,146
Firmly planted in the north of Scandinavia, Finland shares borders with Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Baltic sea. It was at the top in 2020.
Conclusion
Whether you consider the world your home… or your home the world, the important thing is the feeling of happiness being there.
Although most of us have spent way more time in our houses than we would have wanted, home is still where the heart is.
Seek home for rest, for home is best. — Thomas Tusser
