The list of the happiest countries in the world for 2024 has been released.
In the top ten, half of the happiest countries are from Scandinavia (in order): Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. Yes the Vikings are happy!
I have been to one of these countries, Iceland, but will visit Denmark, Norway, and Sweden this summer.
Could I really tell that Iceland was the third happiest country in the world on my visit? No not really. Icelandic people were polite and good natured but they weren’t exactly widely smiling while dancing in the cobbled streets. There was something deeper than one could glean from a two week visit.
Why Scandinavia? Universal healthcare, paid university, low crime rates, strong national identity, and faith and trust of government, and well designed furniture. Overall these Scandinavian countries look after their people.
Corvid Sketcher 
I read a lot of Scandinavian fiction. Dark, horrific mysteries and thrillers. Mankell, Larsson, Lars Kepler, Sjowall…. The list is huge. If you go by their authors, these Nordic countries would be ghastly. Perhaps they release their demons through their art. But their art does not scare me off, I too would like to visit. Cheers!
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