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Criteria -

The survey took into account six variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

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30. Uruguay -

Score: 6.310

The South American country dropped down five positions since last year, but still managed to make the top 30.

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29. Lithuania -

Score: 6.391

The first Eastern European country making an entry in the top 30, after climbing up from position 35 in 2020.

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28. Estonia -

Score: 6.453

This Eastern European nation climbed up from number 41 in 2020 to a a respectful number 28 in 2021.

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27. United Arab Emirates -

Score: 6.458

The country even has a ministry dedicated to happiness and well-being!

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26. Slovenia -

Score: 6.462

At number 26 comes this beautiful Eastern European jewel. Slovenia barely made it to the top 30 last year.

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25. Italy -

Score: 6.488

Italy was one of the first European countries heavily hit by the pandemic, but still ranks high as one of the world's happiest nations.

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24. Spain -

Score: 6.502

Sunny Spain has also been climbing up on the list. In 2019, it was in 30th place, then in 2020 it went up to 27th, and now it went up a further three spots.

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23. Croatia -

Score: 6.508

Believe it or not, this beautiful country ranked at number 61 last year.

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22. Slovakia -

Score: 6.519

The country was in the 33rd spot last year, so it's quite an improvement from the 2020 ranking.

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21. Saudi Arabia -

Score: 6.560

The country climbed up five positions from last year's ranking. In 2017, it was in the 37th position, so it has been improving quite a lot over the years.

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20. France -

Score: 6.714

France scores high in most of the report criteria and only dropped one position since 2020.

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19. Taiwan -

Score: 6.751

Taiwan climbed up six spots this year. The country's economy is one of the most developed in the world, which results in a high level of work opportunities.

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18. United Kingdom -

Score: 6.798

The UK dropped from a respectful 13th place in 2020 to position 18 in 2021. Perhaps Brexit had something to do with it.

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17. Belgium -

Score: 6.839

Belgium went up from number 20 to the 17th position of the 2021 ranking.

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16. Czech Republic -

Score: 6.897

In one year, the Czech Republic climbed from the 19th to the 16th position of the ranking.

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15. Canada -

Score: 7.025

Canada dropped from number 10 to number 15 in 2021, despite the country's low unemployment rates.

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14. USA -

Score: 7.028

The country went up four spots from last year, though it continues to score below the 11th place it ranked in the first World Happiness Report in 2012.

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13. Ireland -

Score: 7.035

The Irish are known to be hospitable, humorous, and friendly. The country is safe overall and has a stable economy.

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12. Australia -

Score: 7.137

Australians are satisfied with their well-being, have jobs, and have a high life expectancy. Incredible beaches also help, right?

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11. Israel -

Score: 7.195

The country climbed three positions in 2021. Israel has a stable, safe, and sustainable economy. Most schools are public and offer quality education.

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10. Austria -

Score: 7.213

The first spot in the top 10 goes to Austria. In 2017, Vienna was voted the best city in the world to live in because of safety and the price of quality housing, according to Mercer's ranking.

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9. New Zealand -

Score: 7.257

The country is considered one of the best places in the world to live by locals and foreigners.

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8. Norway -

Score: 7.290

This northern European country dropped three positions in the ranking, but it still scores high when it comes to the well-being of its citizens.

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7. Germany -

Score: 7.312

The country climbed up from number 17 last year to a respectful 7th position. The country is known for its strong economy.

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6. Sweden -

Score: 7.314

The economy is developed and diversified. Sweden is considered one of the most socially equal nations in the world.

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5. Netherlands -

Score: 7.504

Overall, the Netherlands is an open country, it's inclusive of immigrants, it has liberal policies, and offers security to its citizens.

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4. Switzerland -

Score: 7.508

In Switzerland, life expectancy goes beyond 80, and its citizens are quite cultured, many speaking several languages ​​(including German, French, and English). It's also one of the most competitive countries in the world.

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3. Denmark -

Score: 7.515

The country dropped from number two to number three in 2021. Nevertheless, Denmark scored high is all criteria.

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2. Iceland -

Score: 7.575

The country climbed up from number four in 2020 to the podium in 2021. The country is known for providing good social support to citizens, including an affordable health system and free education.

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1. Finland -

Score: 7.889

The nation has topped the ranking for four years in a row. This year, the country scored even higher than the average of 2017-19, which was 7.809.

See also: The world's happiest and most stressed countries

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