Finland is the happiest country in the world for the fifth year in a row. The country consistently ranks among the top education systems in the world, though it is occasionally surpassed by South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Much of that success can be attributed to widespread respect for teachers, who are required to have a master's degree (their education is state-funded), as well as a pedagogical system that emphasizes experiential learning and equal opportunity rather than quantitative testing.

This year, Denmark held onto the second-place position. The nation ranks highly in all of the reported metrics, including life expectancy, social support, and generosity, but it also has a strong commitment to the production of renewable energy (39.1 percent of its energy was wind-generated in 2014). Danish happiness is categorized into a number of different categories, including trust in the government, economic security, freedom, civil participation, and work-life balance, according to a recent study from the Copenhagen-based Happiness Research Institute (whose existence is probably enough for a top spot).

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

Aside from socioeconomic factors, the country's happiness stems in part from a respect for the planet on which it is built. Visit Denmark in the summer and stay at a traditional Danish seaside inn to get a sense of that "at one with nature" mentality. You can't help but feel happier after a few days of cycling along the coast, eating fresh mussels and house-made sourdough, and viewing the Baltic Sea from a shaded hammock.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.636

Iceland has a high percentage of respondents who said they felt like they could rely on a fellow citizen in times of need. Perhaps the country's post-2007 financial collapse and subsequent revitalization made this most obvious. When it comes to happiness, Icelanders are unfazed. You'd think that the constant influx of American tourists into Reykjavik might have dealt a blow to the residents' happiness—after all, it must be a little harder to get that dinner reservation than it used to be. They can always leave the city and travel to a rural area that resembles another planet, so perhaps that has something to do with it.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

It's easy to socialize with your friends and family in a small country like Iceland, which is a huge factor in overall happiness. Join an Icelandic family for a home-cooked meal, which you can easily arrange through a number of tour companies. Creative Iceland has a similar offer in Reykjavik, while Viator has one in the fishing town of Hofn.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.557

Every issue is put to a vote in Switzerland (which dropped one spot this year), from how many vacation days employees should have to how many immigrants should be allowed into the country, and referendums down to the local level occur frequently. Swiss citizens experience an unmatched sense of involvement in the development of their nation thanks to this direct democracy system. There is a strong social fabric held together by the conviction that every voice matters, which can go a long way toward feeling content. The Swiss are known for being solitary, which can be off-putting to first-time visitors.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

A study from University College London found that eating small amounts of dark chocolate can significantly reduce depressive symptoms, and Switzerland is the best place in the world to shop for chocolate. At the Teuscher headquarters in Zurich, sample the 99 percent cocoa bar, or take the train to Broc to visit the renowned Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory and store.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.512

The most important statistic from the Netherlands this year? That its happiness levels changed very little (less than 0.03 percent) between 2005 and 2021. Happiness, it turns out, begins at a young age in the Netherlands. According to a 2013 UNICEF report, Dutch children are the happiest in the world, based on a variety of metrics including educational well-being, safety, and health.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

85% of Dutch children eat breakfast with their parents each morning, according to a UNICEF report (a sign of positive well-being). Even though you may be too old to eat breakfast at the table before going to school, you can still have a traditional Dutch breakfast while traveling through the Netherlands. This typically consists of a slice of bread topped with jam, appelstroop, or hagelslag sprinkles.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.415

With a population of fewer than 600,000 people, this small country provides high wages and a robust social security system to assist its citizens after retirement. But, before you conclude that money can buy happiness in Luxembourg, consider that the country has many other benefits that have nothing to do with money, such as a great healthcare system and an excellent work-life balance (probably due to the mandatory five weeks of vacation time).

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

Unable to choose between culture and nature? Climb Chemin de la Corniche, a pedestrian promenade that runs alongside Luxembourg City's 17th-century stone walls, to get a dose of both (and some exercise while you're at it). The street offers breathtaking views of the Alzette River and the city's historic district and has been dubbed "Europe's most beautiful balcony" by Luxembourgish author Batty Weber.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.404

Sweden dropped from sixth to seventh place this year due to its high COVID-related death rate, which was the highest among the Nordic nations. Despite this, it continues to rank among the happiest nations in the world, in large part because of a high GDP per capita. According to a different study, Sweden is the best country for women due to its emphasis on social equality that is incorporated into the educational system as early as kindergarten, 16 months of paid family leave that can be divided between a couple after a new child is welcomed into a family, and free daycare. Basically, a population that places more of an emphasis on work-life balance is happier.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

Lagom is a Swedish way of life (similar to hygge in Denmark), which is difficult to translate but essentially means balance and moderation. Lagom is applied to everything in Sweden, from clothing to diet, but the most tourist-friendly way to enjoy this lifestyle is to participate in fika—a designated time of day to slow down and be present, usually with a hot cup of coffee and a baked good. Simply visit any of Stockholm's excellent cafes around 11 a.m. to easily join the locals in this daily ritual.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.384

In Norway, there isn't much to complain about. The combination of a well-integrated government welfare system and a thriving economy based on responsible resource management (good riddance, fossil fuel-powered cars) means that very few people are left behind, and the feelings of social support, trust in government, and economic well-being that result all contribute to overall happiness.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

The presence of water has been linked to increased happiness, and Noway has many opportunities to experience this phenomenon. The nation is home to some of Europe's deepest and most picturesque lakes, such as Lake Mjsa, which is located about 60 miles north of Oslo. Get in a good ride before cooling off in the water because a bike path circles the entire lake.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.365

Israel has, at last, climbed into the top ten in 2022 after finishing 12th the previous year. As one of the first nations to successfully immunize a sizable portion of its population, the nation's response to the pandemic greatly increased public trust in the government. Israel also has the lowest rate of diet-related deaths worldwide (high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, etc.), making it one of the healthiest nations in the world.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

In Israel's culinary capital, Tel Aviv, there are tens of thousands of eateries where tourists can partake in the Mediterranean diet, which extends life. Gabrielle Robins, a writer, advises eating street food like kebabs at Zalmaniko, hummus at Abu Hassan, and falafel at HaKosem.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.364

New Zealand has maintained its position in the top ten despite having one of the lowest rates of COVID-related deaths throughout the pandemic. Even without that time stamp, Kiwis are known for being friendly and upbeat people, which is a result of their satisfaction in both the professional and social spheres. It also helps to have a prime minister who values personal development on the emotional and mental levels: 2019 saw the introduction of Jacinda Ardern's "Wellbeing Budget," which included billions of dollars for programs aimed at improving mental health, lowering child poverty, and helping Mori and Pasifika people.

Endorphin-boosting travel tip:

Easy one: go outside and have some fun. One of the world's most naturally beautiful nations, New Zealand offers as many outdoor pursuits as it does breathtaking scenery. You will undoubtedly return from your trip feeling better than when you arrived, whether you spend it kayaking in Milford Sound, hiking through Tongariro National Park, or bungee jumping in Queenstown.

Average Life Evaluation: 7.200