World Laughter Day is a global event celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year, which encourages people to spread joy and happiness through laughter. In the spirit of this wonderful day, we’d like to explore two of the happiest places to live in the world: Finland and the Netherlands.
Finland, a country located in northern Europe, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, high standard of living, and excellent education system. According to the World Happiness Report 2023, Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row. The report evaluates the happiness levels of 149 countries based on factors such as income, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
One of the reasons why Finland is such a happy place to live is because of its strong sense of community. The country has a well-established welfare system that ensures that everyone has access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and housing. Finnish people also place a high value on social relationships and spend a lot of time with friends and family. Additionally, Finland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.
Yes! The Netherlands is a country located in Western Europe, famous for its beautiful canals, windmills, and tulip fields. According to the World Happiness Report 2023, the Netherlands is ranked as the fifth happiest country in the world. The country is known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and strong social support networks.
One of the reasons why the Netherlands is such a happy place to live is because of its relaxed and laid-back culture. Dutch people are known for their love of outdoor activities, such as cycling and boating, and for their appreciation of art and culture. The country is also known for its progressive policies, such as legalising same-sex marriage and decriminalising marijuana, which contribute to a sense of openness and tolerance.
In both Finland and the Netherlands, laughter is an important part of daily life. Finnish people are known for their love of saunas, which are seen as a place to relax and socialise with friends and family. In the Netherlands, the tradition of “gezelligheid” emphasises the importance of creating a warm and cosy atmosphere, which often involves spending time with loved ones and sharing a good laugh.
Finland and the Netherlands are two of the happiest places to live in the world. Both countries are known for their high quality of life, strong sense of community, and appreciation of nature and culture. Whether you’re soaking in a Finnish sauna or enjoying a bike ride through the Dutch countryside, there’s plenty to smile about in these happy and welcoming countries.
While we love living in South Africa (we’ve got a great climate, friendly people, amazing destinations on our doorstep and plenty of exceptional food and wine), a little trip to discover some of the world’s happiest destinations would not be amis!
So let’s celebrate World Laughter Day by spreading joy and happiness wherever we go! Browse our Europe holiday packages and start smiling today!
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