The 10 happiest countries in the world

[JaiDee]

Someone has to tell me once again exactly what is wrong with Socialism?

People are happy, live longer, have cheap education and better health care, and more vacation time.

Not surprised at some of the countries on this list; one of my best buddies in the world is from Denmark and he and his family are super-nice, friendly and happy people.

Canada made the cut, no surprise there, as well as Sweden and Norway, Holland and Switzerland. Surprisingly {not!} no America, which I would guess that with all its attendant problems and disharmony between the 2 major political parties would end up somewhere around number 50, if that.

Check the list here;

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-happiest-countries-in-the-world.html

[SiamSam]

Interesting article.

I just spent 5 days in Denmark and Sweden. Indeed they are special countries and the people seem to be relaxed for sure. They are surprisingly liberal and appear to be open and accepting with the unconventional. The weather this time of year is very appealing with long hours of warm daylight. However I have also spent time in these countries during the winter and boy can it be depressing and gloomy. They may be the happiest countries in the world but I believe they also have the highest suicide rates. If you spend winters there you'll understand why.

[Jimslim]

Interesting and very true .

The countries that have embraced Neo Liberalism and worshiped the free market are the places were the majority are left more miserable .

Why ? Because there has been a massive shift in wealth to a very rich few at the top at the expense of the majority .

Almost everything in life from life expectancy to mental illness , violence to illiteracy is affected not by how wealthy a society is , but how equal it is .

A pretty decent read on the subject is The Spirit Level by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett .

[deepthroat]

Tried to give you a +1 Jim but I'm out for the day. I always knew you were funny but I didn't realize you were also an enlightened soul. I wish I could sum up something as important with so few words. Very eloquent sir.

[ArchieBunker]

I just looked at that list and there is one thing that ALL those countries have in common. Having digested the info for about 2 minutes, I ahve a theory why its easier for that type of model to be successfull in thise countries. Anyone?????

[JaiDee]

smaller populations?

I get that argument a lot.....but Canada has 34 Mil and seems to be doing pretty well; I lived in Montreal the past 2 summers and based on that experience [alone, plus what I read] I can tell you that they are WAY happier and more care-free than us Yanks; less dissension and in-fighting between the political parties as well.

America will always be a miserable, super-expensive place to live as long as we have our elected officials acting like spoiled children.....and because we have no health care and the premiums are outrageous, with insurance companies and big Pharma running the show, along with the baby boomers all coming into retirement age over the next 10-30 years, things are going to get much worse before they get any better. College bills are out of control also; in Denmark they pay YOU to attend Uni, and in Canada the bills are amazingly low for locals.

Truth be told I'd prefer to live in the west these days after 12 years of traveling, I am kind of ready to settle down again.....fact is I simply can't afford America. No way a country could be considered "happiest" if their citizens can't even afford to live there.

[ArchieBunker]

BINGO!! Man that didnt take long. I think thats a BIG part of it. its a hell of a lot easier and manageable. Health care is a huge part of it as well and the costs are a huge millstone around the necks of the denizens of the USA.

Also those other countries on that list do not hvae the burden of the huge military outlays. Now, it would be GREAT to cut cut cut the military spending but not giving it to the welfare leeches. I know I am going to get flamed for saying this but I think the world has the USA a lot to thank for especially starting from 1941 on. What do you think would happen if the US shrunk its "power" all around the world. China would be ectsatic as would its proxy North korea. What do you think would happen if we pull out all the troops in South Korea??? Dont think it would be a pretty picture at all.

I think the affordability of the US is relative. there are some cheaper places with much better employment prospects even now. If you are educated and have a skill, you will have a good job. If you delay gratification, save and invest, you prospects are much better. There are many people in America who would rather sit on the couch and watch Jerry springer and wait for a hand out. Sometimes you have to sacrifice and do some shit you really dont WAN to do in order to get to where you want to go......

thats what ol Arch says from his living room chair in Astoria.....

[JaiDee]

I wouldn't disagree with a lot of what you say........we do have a huge military outlay, some of it necessary and some not so much; does anyone think Germany will be attacked any time soon? Naaaaa, so why not bring home the 50K guys and gals from there, that would save some big coin. Do we need Okinawa and other Japanese bases open anymore? Probably not....we bailed from the P.I. and they seem to be doing just fine. For sure we could reduce our military foot print in the world and still be OK at home, where it really matters, and save a ton of dough. But our defense budget could be slashed by at least 25% and we'd still have plenty of power; hell, we have the strongest military in the world right now and with all those drones and other garbage we still can't beat a bunch of guys wearing sandals and living in caves in Afghanistan!

Another thing about that list; some of 'em {Denmark, Holland, Austria, Finland, Norway} would still be doing the goose step and saying "Hiel [somebody]" if we didn't intervene and help get rid of that a-hole Adolph a half century ago. I met an Austrian girl at a party a few months back and right away I got attitude when I told her I was a Yank {I get that a lot also}. She was belligerent and determined to put me down right away, and even stated how "I have no desire to ever travel to America". Great, good for you beeee-atch; but it's probably a good thing that my Dad and thousands of brave guys just like him traveled to your country 65 years ago and got rid of that despot for you; you're welcome.

The thing people forget is that America had a 2nd-rate fighting force prior to WW2; Hell, even France had a stronger army and our navy was nothing to write home about, and frankly we were a nation of pacifists; we didn't want to go to war and did everything we could to stay out of it. We went in because we HAD to, prodded by the Japanese, and only THEN, from about 1944 on, have we been considered the 1st-rate military nation we have become [and unfortunately have been stuck with the "policemen of the world" moniker}. But with that said, we should have adopted FDR's "2nd bill of rights" plan from 1944 just before he died......had we bought into this list, we'd all have health care and cheap education and we just may be able to rank in that top 10 list, despite our large population.

see list here.....damn shame it never came to pass

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Bill_of_Rights

[williethepimp]

Israel among the happiest country list?.I guess they never asked any of the Palestinians living in concentration camps there then.

[ArchieBunker]

Well Mr JD one of the main reasons we have troops and bases in Okinawa is basically to protect Taiwan. At least it was in the past. Now I wonder what BHO would do (until Jan of 2013 anyway-555555) if the Chinks (Archie speak) moved on it. Realistically, I doubt theres much the US could do anyway. We have troops there as well to project a general regional power. The Korean Peninsula could kick off at any time, mind you.

As far as the Austrian chick you encountered JD, she (and her ancestors) wereprobably pissed that their native son Adolph lost!! think about it. Most Austrians were delighted when the twisted cross came a calling.

[JaiDee]

Israel among the happiest country list?.I guess they never asked any of the Palestinians living in concentration camps there then.

True dat, Willie.....I used to see a LOT of Israeli tourists on the island where I lived these past 6 years, they love it there. And yet in all those years I didn't even see or meet ONE Palestinian - I guess prisoners don't get vacations.

[ArchieBunker]

True dat, Willie.....I used to see a LOT of Israeli tourists on the island where I lived these past 6 years, they love it there. And yet in all those years I didn't even see or meet ONE Palestinian - I guess prisoners don't get vacations.

I wonder how many Jordanians, Egyptians or Syrians you saw there??? I suspect not many if any at all! Does that mean those shitholes are prison camps as well??

[SiamSam]

This was written by a Canadian decades ago. He felt there was too much U.S. bashing at the time. I think it is even more relevant today. Perhaps some of you remember it. Give it a listen.

[Rickshaw]

Not Bhutan? Until 1960ish, they had no roads, cars (obviously), airports, telephone, television, radio or a national unit of money. When China invaded Tibet, they realised that self imposed isolation was no defence and embarked on a programme of development which resulted in the absolute rule by the monachy being replaced by a modern state with democracy, health care, education, communication links and a considerable uplifting of the wellbeing of the general populace. The second king, who took the throne after his father died, was only 17, but drove through all the changes that had been planned and then, in the early 2000s, abdicated in favour of his son who he perceived to be more modern and in tune with the changing world. The people adore both the retired king and the present one. However, and the point of this post, is that one of the governing rules of the government is the idea of they choose policies which increase the "Gross Domestic Happiness".

When I first read about this, I was highly sceptical but I have just spent 20 days going everywhere where foreigners are allowed to go -and where my age allows - Bhutan has some serious hills (point of info - the elevation starts at 150 metres and tops at over 7500!). I saw no hovels (unlike, say Nepal), malnutrition or begging; everybody greeted me with a smile, most were incredibly helpful. There was plenty of evidence of wealth trickling down. We saw several Ministers just walking about, accessible to everyone and whilst standing in one town, the King and Queen appeared on a walkabout, saw us and he came straight over to introduce himself and ask how we were enjoying our trip. So there you have it - a developing nation with the politicians and hierachy accessible to everyone, with wealth being passed about, with policies designed to help the majority and impressively beautiful into the bargain (name another country with 70% forest cover remaining, snowcapped mountains and semitropical valleys).

Maybe they are not happy as defined by the Wall Street web site- but they do seem content which counts for a lot. And having worked or travelled in all ten of the identified countries, I prefer Bhutan!

[pdogg]

the King and Queen appeared on a walkabout, saw us and he came straight over to introduce himself and ask how we were enjoying our trip. So there you have it - a developing nation with the politicians and hierachy accessible to everyone, with wealth being passed about, with policies designed to help the majority and impressively beautiful into the bargain (name another country with 70% forest cover remaining, snowcapped mountains and semitropical valleys).

Sounds awesome!

And I have a feeling their daughters and sons in skirts are not encouraged to prostitute themselves.

[williethepimp]

I wonder how many Jordanians, Egyptians or Syrians you saw there??? I suspect not many if any at all! Does that mean those shitholes are prison camps as well??

You'll find plenty of those nationalities in the Arab quarter in Pattaya,at least they can get to travel out of their country,unlike the Palestinians.

Ive been to Egypt several times,and Jordan once.The people are poor,but at least theyre free.

PS-Thanx rickshaw,great post.I also wondered why Bhutan wasn't on the list.

[ArchieBunker]

You'll find plenty of those nationalities in the Arab quarter in Pattaya,at least they can get to travel out of their country,unlike the Palestinians.

Ive been to Egypt several times,and Jordan once.The people are poor,but at least theyre free.

PS-Thanx rickshaw,great post.I also wondered why Bhutan wasn't on the list.

Of course there are some of those nationalities knocking about Pattaya. they get up to a lot of stuff they cannot get up to in their own lands. There are wealthy people everywhere-see ruling class. I was wondering how many JD actually encountered out and about on one of his islands. I would venture to guess not many.

[Rickshaw]

Sounds awesome!

And I have a feeling their daughters and sons in skirts are not encouraged to prostitute themselves.

True enough - but the retired King is currently married to four stunning looking sisters so it's not entirely straightforward in the relationship stakes (four wives, one mother-in-law.....and can you imagine the negotiations as to which sister shares his bed on any given night?).

[thaibound]

True enough - but the retired King is currently married to four stunning looking sisters so it's not entirely straightforward in the relationship stakes (four wives, one mother-in-law.....and can you imagine the negotiations as to which sister shares his bed on any given night?).

errrr, so maybe they interviewed some husband-sharing women in bhutan which might have brought the over-all average happiness score down just a smidge?

[pdogg]

An article in today's The Nation said, "

Thailand's happiness index very low, with 1.5m people facing depression

but in reality this is a lower percentage than many countries.

[grakallen]

Another thing about that list; some of 'em {Denmark, Holland, Austria, Finland, Norway} would still be doing the goose step and saying "Hiel [somebody]" if we didn't intervene and help get rid of that a-hole Adolph a half century ago. I met an Austrian girl at a party a few months back and right away I got attitude when I told her I was a Yank {I get that a lot also}. She was belligerent and determined to put me down right away, and even stated how "I have no desire to ever travel to America". Great, good for you beeee-atch; but it's probably a good thing that my Dad and thousands of brave guys just like him traveled to your country 65 years ago and got rid of that despot for you; you're welcome.

I find your logic interesting. You expect a European to be grateful and want to visit the US just because you helped kick the Nazis during WWII?? Using the same logic, would that mean we should also still hold a grudge towards Germany?

Don't get me wrong I'm not one of those anti-US Europeans, I just think the newer generations do not care too much about that old stuff. I doubt many Americans are very grateful it was Europeans that colonized your continent and not some Asian countries?

[SiamSam]

I doubt many Americans are very grateful it was Europeans that colonized your continent and not some Asian countries?

Goodness, what does that mean!??!

[grakallen]

Statement #1 from OP:

"The US saved your (the Europeans) butt in WWII and you guys should still be grateful 65 years after"

I find this statement a bit silly so I counter with a even more silly statement:

"Europeans colonized and created the America we have today and you should be grateful xxx years after"

For all I know it could have been a better America if it was colonized by the Chinese, but I'm pretty sure it would be different. At least you probably did not have to travel those 20 hours to get to Thailand for some hot Asian LB ass... :)

[williethepimp]

America could have been very easily colonized by the chinese....... There is a wealth of evidence the chinese got there a long time before Columbus,not only America ,but Oz too.

[Patrick]

An article in today's The Nation said, "

Thailand's happiness index very low, with 1.5m people facing depression

but in reality this is a lower percentage than many countries.

Probably just pissed off at only being 5ft tall