Happiest Countries for surviving in the planet in 2025, No.5 Will Surprise You

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Ever wondered where people wake up with genuine smiles rather than the coffee-dependent grimaces most of us sport? While the rest of us battle traffic jams and weather small talk in elevators, certain lucky populations are living in a state of perpetual contentment.

Scientists haven’t yet discovered if it’s something in their water, their genes, or simply the fact that they’ve mastered the art of not checking work emails after 6 PM! Whatever their secret is, these nations have cracked the happiness code while the rest of us are still trying to remember the password.

How the happiest countries in the world are ranked?

Defining happiness isn’t easy, since it can be very subjective. As per William Russell, to create rankings, these factors are considered:

International health insurance
Research from the World Happiness Report 2024, Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index, US News’ Quality of Life Index, CEOWORLD Magazine’s Quality of Life Report, and the Institute for Quality of Life’s Happy City Index
GDP per capita
Average life expectancy

Using a weighted average across all metrics, the happiest countries in the world in 2025 are determined.

1. Switzerland

Happiest City: Zurich
Quality Of Life Index: 204
Average Life Evaluation: 7.060

Switzerland tops our list of the happiest countries in 2025. Previously named the best country to live in the world, one of the top 10 healthiest countries.

Living in Switzerland

Switzerland ranks among the top 5 countries for average annual salaries, with Swiss workers earning an average of US$79,204 per year in 2023. While these high salaries come with a high cost of living, rent is nearly double what it is in the UK, and day-to-day expenses are about 64% higher.

With stunning natural beauty surrounding them, from the majestic Matterhorn to Lake Lucerne, the Swiss spend much of their free time exploring their country and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and paragliding.

Working in Switzerland

Beyond high salaries, workers benefit from strong protections including legal limits on working hours (45 hours for industrial workers, 50 for commercial employees), a minimum of four weeks’ vacation plus public holidays, and a 25% premium for overtime.

Culture

Swiss culture values honesty, hard work, studiousness, and respect. Social interactions tend to be formal, with handshakes as standard greetings. Their famous neutrality in global affairs reflects their commitment to stability, security, and peace.

2. Australia

Happiest City: Brisbane
Quality Of Life Index: 185.5
Average Life Evaluation: 7.057

Australia consistently ranks highly across all major happiness metrics, including quality of life, life satisfaction, and life expectancy. Previously recognised as the ninth best country to work, the seventh healthiest, and the best place for expats to live, Australia earns its silver medal with a holistic approach to happiness.

Living in Australia

The average worker earns around US$68,000 per year. As one of the world’s most urbanised countries, around 90% of its 27 million population lives in cities.

While the cost of living is about 4% higher than in the UK, Australia offers countless opportunities for adventure, from surfing at Bondi Beach to exploring the Outback.

Working in Australia

Australia’s main industries include finance, professional services, and iron ore mining. Working conditions are regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009, which mandates a maximum of 38 working hours weekly, 4 weeks of paid time off, and a minimum wage of AUS$23.23 per hour.

A 2024 amendment introduced the ‘right to disconnect,’ protecting workers from having to answer work communications outside regular hours.

Culture

Australian culture blends Western traditions with migrant and indigenous influences. Core values include individual liberty, respect, and fairness, expressed through good manners, warmth, and equality of opportunity.

Australians embrace a ‘work hard, play hard’ philosophy—diligent during the workweek, they enthusiastically enjoy their leisure time, often gathering for barbecues accompanied by music, wine, and beer.

3. Sweden

Happiest City: Gothenburg
Quality Of Life Index: 186.7
Average Life Evaluation: 7.344

Sweden maintains its place among the top three happiest countries in 2025, despite slipping one position from last year. Previously ranked as the number one country for mental health in 2023 and 2024, and recognised among the least stressed and healthiest countries, Sweden combines a high standard of living with a balanced and equitable society.

Living in Sweden

Sweden balances tradition and modernism through its concept of “Lagom“—”just the right amount”—encouraging moderation in all aspects of life.

Sweden’s strong welfare state provides free healthcare, world-leading gender equality, and emphasis on work-life balance, creating a robust safety net alongside thriving commercial and industrial sectors.

Working in Sweden

Sweden boasts one of the world’s highest productivity rates. Employee-employer relationships are notably equal, with disputes typically referred to trade unions. Swedish employers must comply with strict anti-discrimination laws and ensure workplace safety and well-being.

The average salary is US$38,310, with income tax between 32–45%. These taxes fund healthcare, social security, education, and pensions.

Culture

Sweden is renowned for its egalitarianism, ensuring fairness regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or skin colour. The Swedish temperament is soft-spoken, mellow, and trusting. Their national ritual of “Fika”—taking breaks to enjoy coffee and snacks with colleagues—epitomises their balanced approach to life.

4. Norway

Happiest City: Ålesund
Quality Of Life Index: 189
Average Life Evaluation: 7.302

Norway’s national tourist board uses the slogan ‘Find your Happy Place,’ reflecting happiness as central to Norwegian life. Norway consistently appears on lists of the happiest countries, praised for its ample wealth, cosy lifestyle, and pioneering social model balancing individual freedom, social equality, and economic growth.

Living in Norway

Norway has wisely used its oil wealth to benefit society since the late 1960s.

Norwegians enjoy one of the world’s smallest income inequality gaps, substantial public spending supported by a budget surplus, and one of the highest GDPs per capita globally. The average salary is US$63,900, though the cost of living is about 18% higher than in the UK.

Working in Norway

Norway achieves the highest productivity on earth by gross national income, generating over US$119 for every hour worked. This comes with strict workplace policies limiting work to 37.5 hours weekly. Workers receive at least one break per 5.5 hours and 25 days’ holiday (five weeks) annually.

Culture

Norwegian culture values equality, humility, and openness. The concept of “Dugnad” emphasises everyone’s participation in shared goals, whether caring for neighbours, achieving work objectives, or simply being friendly.

These values create the national mindset of “Janteloven“—the feeling of being Norwegian, which means prioritising society over individual needs, staying humble, acting in others’ best interests, and avoiding jealousy.

5. The Netherlands

Happiest City: Amsterdam
Quality Of Life Index: 207.5
Average Life Evaluation: 7.319

The Netherlands has risen in happiness rankings due to increasing quality of life, exceptional work-life balance, and strong social support systems. Dutch culture balances collective responsibility with personal autonomy, supported by strong political institutions.

Living in The Netherlands

Though small, the Netherlands is a global influencer as a legal, financial, and political hub for the European Union. While the cost of living is about 3% higher than in the UK, the Dutch enjoy clean cities and excellent public transport.

The Dutch lifestyle prioritises balance in all things, from work-life integration to outdoor exercise, cultural activities, and lifelong learning.

Working in The Netherlands

Dutch workers earn about US$46,000 on average, higher than the EU average. Higher taxes fund healthcare, education, emergency services, and local services.

The Netherlands’ service-based economy focuses on financial services, creative industries, and technology, primarily trading with countries like France and Germany. This economy has created a largely urbanised environment.

Culture

Dutch culture is shaped by constitutional values of equality, democracy, individual liberty, and justice. The Dutch love art, literature, and history, maintaining cultural traditions through frequent festivals. While proud of their heritage, they maintain close connections with European neighbours, often travelling to France and Germany for cultural experiences.

Bottom Line

So there you have it—the world’s 5 happiest nations, where people somehow manage to whistle while they work instead of muttering obscenities at their computers.

Whether it’s the Swiss perfecting the art of chocolate consumption, Australians turning every weekend into a beach party, or Scandinavians creating social systems so good they make the rest of us question our life choices, these countries have unlocked the secrets to nationwide contentment.

The pursuit of happiness may be universal, but having proper coverage when you find it is just smart planning. After all, you’ll want to be financially protected while you’re busy learning to say “I’m extremely content” in Dutch, Norwegian, or Swedish!

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The 10 Best Countries to Live And Work Abroad in 2025

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