These Are The 25 Happiest Countries In The World Ranked

What makes people happy? And what defines a ‘happy’ country? According to the research institute Legatum, prosperity is a vital component in the equation. The London-based firm have just released their annual global Prosperity Index for 2017, which reveals the most prosperous countries in the world.

There are a number of factors that affect what the institute defines as prosperity. Money is of course one, but there are actually 104 elements taken into account in order to come up with the final worldwide ranking. They traditional indicators, such as the number of people in full-time work and a country’s per capita GDP, as well as some more unusual ones, such as how well-rested members of the population feel on a day-to-day basis.

These 104 variables are then subdivided into nine categories: economic quality, business environment, governance, education, health, safety and security, personal freedom, social capital, and natural environment.

Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring, New Zealand

25. Portugal

24. Hong Kong

23. Japan

22. Malta

21. Slovenia

20. Spain

19. France

18. U.S.A.

17. Singapore

16. Belgium

15. Austria

14. Luxembourg

13. Iceland

12. Ireland

11. Germany

10. U.K.

9. Australia

8. Canada

7. Denmark

6. Netherlands

5. Sweden

4. Switzerland

3. Finland

2. New Zealand

1. Norway

That’s right, Norway is back at number one after being topped by New Zealand in 2016 for the first time in seven years!

The nation ranked first in natural environment, seventh in health, fourth in education, third in safety and security, fifth in social capital, eighth in personal freedom, second in governance, eighth in business environment and eighth in economic equality.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.