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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: 6.474

The South American country remains in the same position as last year and manages to stay in the top 30.

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29. Spain -

Score: 6.476

Sunny  climbed up on the list in both 2019, and 2020, where it reached position 24. The European nation has now fallen to 29th place.

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28. Romania -

Score: 6.477

The Eastern European nation makes its entry in the top 30 in 2022. It was in 46th position last year, so that was quite a climb up the ranking!

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27. Singapore -

Score: 6.480

Singapore is also a new entry in the top 30 this year. The country climbed up five positions since 2021.

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26. Taiwan -

Score: 6.512

Taiwan had a slight drop, but still managed to score fairly high and stay in the top 30. 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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25. Saudi Arabia -

Score: 6.523

Another country that dropped a few positions compared to last year. Though it should be noted that back in 2017 the nation placed 37th, so it has been improving quite a lot over the years.

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24. United Arab Emirates -

Score: 6.576

The UAE gets one spot closer to the top in 2022. The country even has a ministry dedicated to happiness and well-being!

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23. Costa Rica -

Score: 6.582

The nation's slogan is pura vida, which translates to "pure life." That says something about Costa Rica's way of life.

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22. Slovenia -

Score: 6.630

At number 22 comes this beautiful Eastern European jewel. Slovenia is slowly climbing up the ranking. In fact, the country barely made it to the top 30 as recently as 2020.

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21. Bahrain -

Score: 6.647

The Arab country has made the 21st position in 2022, a considerable upgrade from its 26th position in 2021. The nation scores high in GDP per capita.

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20. France -

Score: 6.687

France scores high in most of the report criteria and only dropped one position since 2021.

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19. Belgium -

Score: 6.805

Belgium went up from number 20 to the 19th position this year.

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18. Czech Republic -

Score: 6.920

The Czech Republic stands firm in 18th place for the world's happiest countries in 2022.

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17. United Kingdom -

Score: 6.943

The UK dropped a few spots from 2020 to 2021, possibly due to the impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it consolidated its position in 17th.

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16. USA -

Score: 6.977

The country continues to score below the 11th place it ranked in the first World Happiness Report in 2012.

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15. Canada -

Score: 7.025

Canada remains strong in the middle of the ranking. The country's low unemployment rates might have something to do with it.

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14. Germany -

Score: 7.034

The country is known for its strong economy, which is why it usually ranks in the top 15 every year.

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13. Ireland -

Score: 7.041

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: 7.162

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. Austria -

Score: 7.163

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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10. New Zealand -

Score: 7.200

New Zealand begins our top 10 this year. The country is considered one of the best places in the world to live by both locals and foreigners.

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9. Israel -

Score: 7.364

The country climbed up the ranking in 2022. Israel has a stable, safe, and sustainable economy. Most schools are public and offer quality education.

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8. Norway -

Score: 7.365

This northern European country usually places high in the ranking, particularly when it comes to the well-being of its citizens.

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7. Sweden -

Score: 7.384

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

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6. Luxembourg -

Score: 7.404

This European nation might be small in size, but Luxembourg sure has everything its citizens need, and then some.

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5. Netherlands -

Score: 7.415

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

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4. Switzerland -

Score: 7.512

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. Iceland -

Score: 7.557

The top three starts with this island nation. The country is known for providing good social support to citizens, including an affordable health care system and free education.

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2. Denmark -

Score: 7.636

Denmark scored high is all criteria, including low corruption and high social trust.

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1. Finland -

Score: 7.821

The nation has topped the ranking for five years in a row. Surely they must be doing something right!

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

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