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Criteria -

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

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30. Saudi Arabia -

Score: 6.463

The country dropped a few positions compared to last year (it had ranked 25th place). 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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29. Slovakia -

Score: 6.469

The Eastern European nation makes its debut in the top 30 of the ranking this year.

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28. Uruguay -

Score: 6.494

The South American country just barely squeaked in to the top 30 in 2022, but this year it went up to number 28 of the ranking.

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27. Taiwan -

Score: 6.535

Taiwan had a slight drop in 2022, and dropped one position in 2023 as well. 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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26. United Arab Emirates -

Score: 6.571

The UAE remains in the top 30 in 2023. The country even has a ministry dedicated to happiness and well-being!

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25. Singapore -

Score: 6.587

Singapore debuted in the top 30 in 2022, having climbed up five positions since 2021 to number 27. This year it goes up again to position 25.

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24. Romania -

Score: 6.589

The Eastern European nation was in 46th position in 2021 and made its entry in the top 30 in 2022. This year, Romania has climbed again, from number 28 to the 24th position.

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23. Costa Rica -

Score: 6.609

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

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22. Slovenia -

Score: 6.650

At number 22 comes this beautiful Eastern European jewel. Slovenia is slowly climbing up the ranking and has been in this position since 2022. This is great, considering the country barely made it to the top 30 as recently as 2020.

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21. France -

Score: 6.661

France scores high in most of the report criteria and only dropped one position from 2022.

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20. Lithuania -

Score: 6.763

The southernmost Baltic state makes a fresh entry into the top 20 in 2023.

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19. United Kingdom -

Score: 6.796

The UK dropped a few spots from 2020 to 2021, possibly due to the impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK was in 17th in 2022, and this year it dropped two spots in the ranking, to the 19th position.

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18. Czech Republic -

Score: 6.845

The Czech Republic stands firm in 18th place for the world's happiest countries in 2023.

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17. Belgium -

Score: 6.859

Belgium went up from number 19 to the 17th position this year.

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16. Germany -

Score: 6.892

The country is known for its strong economy, which is why it usually ranks in the top 15 every year. In 2023, however, it comes at number 16 in the ranking.

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15. USA -

Score: 6.894

The North American country continues to score below the 11th place it ranked in the first World Happiness Report in 2012. The US did, however, climb up one position from 2022.

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14. Ireland -

Score: 6.911

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

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13. Canada -

Score: 6.961

Canada goes up two positions in 2023 and 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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12. Australia -

Score: 7.095

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: 7.097

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. The country remains in a solid 11th position since last year.

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10. New Zealand -

Score: 7.123

New Zealand begins our top 10 this year, as it did in 2022. The country is considered one of the best places in the world to live by both locals and foreigners.

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9. Luxembourg -

Score: 7.228

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

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8. Switzerland -

Score: 7.240

The country was in fourth position in 2022, but still remains in the top 10. 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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7. Norway -

Score: 7.315

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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6. Sweden -

Score: 7.395

The Swedish economy is developed and diversified. Sweden is considered one of the most socially equal nations in the world. The nation climbed up one spot from 2022.

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5. Netherlands -

Score: 7.4103

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. Israel -

Score: 7.473  

The country climbed up the ranking for the second consecutive year (it was in ninth place in 2022). Israel has a stable, safe, and sustainable economy. Most schools are public and offer quality education.

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3. Iceland -

Score: 7.530

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

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2. Denmark -

Score: 7.586

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

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1. Finland -

Score: 7.804

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

See also: Insights from the most extensive study on happiness 

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