What makes Denmark the happiest country of the world?

If there is a place where one can pursue health, wealth and happiness, it has to be Denmark.
Denmark is crowned "the happiest country in the world" by the United Nation's World Happiness Report , 2016.

It bagged the first place for the years 2013 and 2014 as well. But do you wonder, what makes these Danish people, the happiest people in the world ? Don't worry, we have the answer for you.

1. Epitome of togetherness

Credit: hellomagazine

Danes have a special word "Hygge" for that cozy feeling of togetherness. It means relaxing at home with the people you love and care about. Hygge simply refers to flourishing one's social relationship. 

In fact they consider home to be the "hygge headquarters". 

Danes say that it is their only way to feel warm in a country where it rains or snows every second day.

2. Work life balance

Credit: thelocal

As we have told you earlier that Danes give priority to family and value it beyond anything, their work life balance is simply appreciable. 

Average work hours per week: 33 

Average annual wages: $46,000

Now we can say that they took the phrase "All work and no play makes jack a dull boy" way to seriously. 

3. Clubbing is an emotion

Credit: Orestad

There are more than 16,500 voluntary clubs and associations in Denmark. The membership number is the highest in the world. There are food clubs, hobby clubs, ethnic clubs, cultural associations and sports clubs being the most popular one. About two third of Danes belong to one or more clubs or associations. More than 90% of the children under the age of 13 have a sports club membership.

4. Biking is the norm

Credit: denmark

Danes commute to work every day via bicycle. Denmark has special elevated roads for bicycles. Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark is the most bicycle friendly city of the world. There are more bicycles in Copenhagen than people. So it does not only make these Copenhagners fit but also reduce the carbon emission and contribute to the wealth of the city. 

5. Lighting is a tradition

Credit: jels.tk

Whether its Christmas or any ordinary day, the people of Denmark are obsessed with lighting. They hang iconic lampshades and light candles throughout the year. According to the Happiness Research Institute, Danes associate Hygge with light. As many as 28% Danes light candles every day. The American ambassador to Denmark says that "candles create a kind of emotional happiness, an emotional cosiness".

6. Support to Parents

Credit: zimbio

Danish families receive a total of 52 weeks of Paternal leave, while american women scrape by with an average maternal leave of 10.3 weeks. In Denmark, mothers are able to take 18 weeks and fathers receive their own dedicated 2 weeks at up to 100% salary. The rest of the paid time off is up to the family to use as they see fit.

But the benefits does not end here, Danish children get free or low-cost child care.

In my next life i would definitely like to be born in Denmark, won't you?
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