Happiness comes from experiences, not things. The happiest people always keep a sense of gratitude and do more of what makes them happy. Where better to find happiness than in the happiest places in the world?
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1. Norway
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Norway's alluring beauty; lush green hills, high cliffs and wide bodies of clear water, takes you away from everything and surrounds you in peace and nature. But that's not all this beautiful country offers! Norwegians will make you feel right at home with their warm personalities and brilliant sense of humour☺️
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Here, you're free to immerse yourself in all the happiness Norway offers without worrying about a thing - especially when they rank second in the world in terms of safety and security. If all these are not enough to convince you, the long life expectancy of Norwegians and coming in as one of the richest countries in the world surely attests to how happy this place is!
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Norway definitely takes the world’s happiest nation crown and is deservingly on the the top of this list.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand is often recognised as "The Best Country in the World" across various polls! It is ranked 1st in Education, 2nd in Governance and Social Capital and the locals have high life-expectancies. Whilst no country is perfect, New Zealand is as close as it gets?
As one of the least corrupt countries on the planet coupled with a high standard of living, it's no wonder more people than ever want to work and live here. To add to their long list of merits, New Zealanders are also the friendliest people in the world!
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New Zealand is without a doubt one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful country one should ever visit. Its natural beauty is simply stunning and it makes people innately happy?
3. Canada
Canada is a huge country that has so much to offer – expansive landscapes, lush wilderness, amazing food and even more amazing people! Canadians are known to be a generous bunch of people. 94 per cent of Canadians believe that they know they have someone they could rely on in time of need while 82 per cent say they have more positive experiences than negative ones in an average day?
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Canadians take pride in the country’s tolerance and acceptance of everyone. It was dubbed the most tolerant country in the world and the second most progressive country after Finland! The country has a brilliant life expectancy and freedom of choice. As a result, people have become happier and more generous?
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If all that is not enough, this is certainly something to look up to (literally?)! There’s no better ambassador of a country and its people than the ever-popular Minister Justin Tredeau himself!
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4. Australia
Australia is a wild and beautiful place – endowed with a myriad of landscapes (The Great Barrier Reef, The Outback, The Twelve Apostles!). The Australians sure have a lot going for them – a booming economy, very low unemployment rates and a minimum wage of nearly $16 an hour.
As the saying goes, “Happiness is being an Aussie”. Even the Quokka, the world’s happiest animal, resides here!
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Materialistic goals aside, Australia has very low levels of pollution, high levels of civic engagement, and tight-knit locals – with Ozzies being well-known for their laidback culture. Of course, the beaches and the Australian weather are a bonus!
5. Finland
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Finland is the fifth happiest country in the world! The nation is well-known for being a model country with its outstanding emphasis on work-life balance (they enjoy 36 holidays days each year!). The Finns also have access to one of the highest quality social support networks in the world?
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Along with all that, Finland has the least corrupt government in the world and plenty of beautiful places to relax! The emphasis on the well-being of its people is simply outstanding. It’s no surprise the Finnish way of life embraces relaxation and exploration?
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This country offers everything from inspiring design and architecture in vibrant Helsinki to endless forest and lakes to explore. Safety will be the least of your concerns in this safe country! Here you have the liberty to embrace new experiences just like the Finns.
6. Iceland
Iceland is just below the Arctic Circle, almost at the top of the world. Even though it’s rather isolated, Icelanders are known to be a resilient bunch! One truth about Icelandic happiness is that it is largely collective? Icelanders believe that there will always be someone to catch you when you fall.
Trust levels are so high that it’s not unusual to see babies sleeping in their strollers outside of coffee shops while the parents relax inside. Be assured of peace of mind when you are here!
Its dramatic, enchanting wonders, such as the Northern Lights are also nothing short of magical. Another reason that makes it one of the happiest places on Earth!
7. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very rich country with a rich democracy. The Dutch have the reputation of being one of the happiest nations in the world and are known to raise the world's happiest children. They value family time and have strong beliefs in taking things easy! It is also in this land of windmills and tulips that one can find dedicated paths just for cyclists – making it a cycling utopia☺️
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Its capital, Amsterdam, is famous for its laid-back ambience and picture-perfect waterways. Amsterdam's canals are simply gorgeous and will make you feel as though you’re in Venice. Taking a boat tour is a great way to immerse yourself in this beautiful city or you could also skate on the beautiful ice during winter!
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The Dutch mindset in a nutshell? Chill. The nation is a great reminder to us that there’s no need to have it all figured out and to not take life too seriously?
8. Costa Rica
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Costa Rica isn’t a particularly wealthy country but they’ve been named the most sustainably happy country in the world! The country is incredibly green, with 99% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. Costa Rica has no army as it spends its money on education and health care instead, making it a very peaceful nation?
Costa Ricans also have a high life expectancy – 78.5 years on average perhaps due to their healthy diet in local fruit. The country has shown that a life focused on the well-being of the people and the planet is the best recipe to living a long and happy life!
The key to happiness, as we can learn from Costa Rica, isn’t in the act of consuming less but rather, in the form of gratitude. The people take the time to take care of and appreciate the things around them that matters such as their culture, the environment and the people. A wonderful reality check that happiness can be found in the simplest of things☺️
9. Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Last but not least - the holy city of Mecca (also spelled Makkah). Here is the birthplace of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Mecca is open only to Muslims who usually go to perform their pilgrimage, known as Hajj or Umrah. People from all over the world, young and old, regardless of their race, gender and color are united as one in the holy place! Here, you are at peace.
This is also a timely reminder that we are all simply passing through this Earth as travelers. Travellers focus on the destination but tourists are distracted by attractions? We hope that each one of our Muslim readers reading this will be able to visit the holy city for yourself one day! In shaa Allah?
We hope you're inspired not just by what the places in this article have to offer, but also by the lessons they impart to you! Experiences are important to our well-being. Living gratefully is the best way for you to live happily! Inundate your life with these experiences, and notice how better you feel about life. It's time to go ahead and fill your life with such moments☺️