What is the Secret of the Happiest Countries in the World?

Recently, a world happiness report based on the Gallup World Poll was presented to people in more than 150 countries. This ranking evaluated the average quality of life between 2020 and 2022, that is, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide an interesting reference to reflect on the way we conceive happiness from an individual and collective perspective.

According to the report, three Nordic countries-- Finland, Denmark, and Iceland-- are the happiest in the world. In Latin America, Costa Rica is the happiest country, ranking 23rd, followed by Uruguay (28th) and Chile (35th).

The report found the following countries to be some of the least happy places on the continent: Colombia (72nd in the world ranking), followed by the Dominican Republic (73rd), Ecuador (74th), Peru (75th), and Venezuela (88th).

What makes one country happier than another?

The study based its conclusions on some indicators of material conditions such as: per capita income, life expectancy and access to health services, government (level of corruption and freedom), as well as generosity and social support from private and government institutions, etc.

The report offers an interesting detail: the wealth of a country, although important, is not a determining factor when measuring the emotional well-being of the population. For example, in the United States, per capita income has risen over the past decade, but happiness rates have fallen, as the U.S. has gone from the 14th happiest country in 2017 to the 15th happiest in 2022.

What do the Nordic countries have that makes them so happy?

While many people are depressed by freezing weather, the Finnish people are not bothered by this, as the northern part of that country is covered by snow for 7 to 8 months of the year. In winter there are extremely short days and long nights with temperatures that can reach -9.4F (-23C).

Diego Barahona A.

Finland’s main export products are oil and its derivatives, but since the end of 2014 oil prices have fallen and have stayed relatively low. With a climate like this and without major economic recovery, what do the Finns have that we don’t?

The key factor might be that Nordic countries have adopted a lifestyle that can be summed up in two words that are difficult to translate and pronounce: “hygge” and “kalsarikännit.”

Turning a cold house into a warm home

“Hygge,” a concept adopted specifically in Denmark, can be summed up with the idea of wrapping up, making yourself comfortable, and making any place a welcoming space, despite the adversities of the weather. This is not an ode to complacency; the Nordics know that winter will come, so they work, prepare and stock up for when the temperatures drop.

This is a fascinating lesson. Life is full of difficult moments, and we cannot pretend that these storms will never come. But far from worrying, we must prepare ourselves and try to be ready, which requires discipline. Once the storm intensifies, and despite the fact that some things may be out of our control, we can at least wait for the storm to pass while in the warmth of the home we have built.

Be happy with ourselves

The Finns take the concept of happiness one step further. During the harsh winter months, it is difficult to have social activities, so they developed the idea of “kalsarikännit. This literally means having a drink, alone at home, in your underwear; in short, it means being comfortable with yourself.

Even though we can always improve, and we all have flaws, according to this worldview, it is important to accept ourselves and spend time on ourselves. This “charges” our emotional batteries, which allows us to then take care of others.

Presidente Alvaro Gurdián

Directora

Hilda H. Gurdián

Vice Presidente

Alvaro Gurdián Jr.

Editor Diego Barahona A. dbarahona@lanoticia.com

Reporteros

Kayla Young

Eileen Rodríguez

Yuliana Montiel

Jeralí Giménez

Jonathan Hernandez

Apolo Valdés

Emmanuel Gutierrez

Daniel González

Karole Pelcastre Avilez

Escritores/Colaboradores

Mae Lynn Reyes-Rodríguez, Ph.D.

Dr. Mike Walden

Dr. Carlos Cruz

Patricia Huerta

Gustavo Cruz

Marcos Andón

Ernesto Maradiaga

Fotos/Video

Rodrigo Gaudenzi

José Félix Sánchez

Traducción

Kendal Walters

Ventas Rosario Herrera rherrera@lanoticia.com

Directora de Arte

María E. Benton

Diseño

Douglas Herrera

Director de Informática

Alvaro Gurdián Jr.

Administración

Alejandrina Rosales

Director de Circulación

Alvaro Gurdián

Circulación Luciano Cruz

La Noticia 5936 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC 28212

Tel: 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

La Noticia no asume responsabilidad sobre el contenido de los artículos o de los avisos.

Las opiniones expresadas por los colaboradores son de exclusiva responsabilidad de sus autores, La Noticia no se solidariza necesariamente con dichas opiniones.

Las contribuciones una vez recibidas son propiedad de La Noticia, no se devuelven y están sujetas a edición por razones de aclaración de idea o falta de espacio.

La Noticia is not responsible for the content of third party articles and ads. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles and letters are those of the writers do not necessarily represent the opinions of La Noticia. No portion of La Noticia, including editorial features, advertising or artwork may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the publisher.