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learn more about denmark Why Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world

Denmark often ranks highly on the list of happiest countries in the world. What is it exactly that makes Danes so glad? Part of the reason might be that they pay high taxes and that they value their free time.

Apparently, Denmark was the second happiest country in the world in 2022, just behind Finland, according to The World Happiness Report, and international surveys often place Denmark among the top three happiest countries in the world. While these rankings can of course be thrown into doubt, perhaps there’s something there. From lighting candles to keeping active, to a relatively relaxed working environment, Danes do seem quite content.

But first, it’s important to know that in Danish there are two words for being happy. Glad and lykkelig. Glad, while a positive word, is the gentler version of lykkelig, while lykkelig is used to describe the more ecstatic feeling of “happiness”.  It is up for debate as to whether Danes would use the word glad or lykkelig when discussing the meaning of these global surveys about being happy. We could of course also ask the Finnish for their take.

Could it be true that paying high taxes contributes to happiness?

Maybe it’s something to do with being able to rely on others, which builds a strong community. Trust is valued highly in Denmark, in all levels of life – from work, to institutions, to personal relationships. With trust comes a need to be honest. And, on top of this, comes a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare, and therefore, high trust in the taxation system. Danes pay some of the world’s highest taxes in order to receive many social services and welfare programs, and the idea is that if those who are able, contribute to the society, in return, the community and society will care for all.

The public health system for example is based on the principles of free and equal access to healthcare for all citizens/residents. Public schools and university education is also free for all citizens, and there are unemployment, disability, and old-age benefits for those in need. In Denmark, there’s a feeling among many that the government can be trusted to take care of the public. This may take a lot of pressure off the individual and give space to live “the happy life”.

Being hyggelige and taking time off

Denmark has a 37-hour official work week, and staying extra hours is largely discouraged. And in July, the warmest month in Denmark, many businesses close, while many others give their employees time off. Every employee is entitled to five weeks of leave per year, and sticking to this is encouraged. And regular guilt-free holidays must be a sure-fire way to happiness!

Everyone is encouraged to have a healthy life outside of work, whether or not one has a family, and often when applying for a job in Denmark, one is encouraged to include one's free-time interests in one's CV. The idea behind this is that by keeping your employees happy outside of work, you can keep them happier while at work – which is also a way to relieve pressure from the individual.

And free time of course includes hygge, the famous Danish word, the idea of taking time away from the business of life to simply be together with those you care about. Perhaps it’s the Danes way of taking a holiday in summer, after a year of paying high taxes to their trusted government, along with making winter cosy and communal that keeps them so happy.

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