Happy Countries

Some university or research institute is always producing a top ten list of The Happiest Countries in the World. While results tend to vary a bit, as a whole Scandinavian countries seem to kick ass when it comes to happiness. In two of the most recent studies, (one by the University of Michigan, the other by the University of Rotterdam), Denmark topped the list of happy nations. What makes the Danes so happy? Here's what the experts, and the citizens themselves, think:

1) Danes have low expectations, kind of like Cubs fans. If you've ever been to Wrigley Field, you've had a small taste of Denmark! Nobody really expects the Cubs to win, but everybody is having one helluva good time. Danes encourage artistic expression of all forms, from everybody, and who cares if your music sucks or your paintings are horrendous? The fun is in the doing, not in the so-called achieving. 

2) Free education and healthcare is provided to all citizens. Sure, it's not really free, it's paid for with tax money, but everyone gets health care and everyone gets higher education without an additional dime out of their pockets. This makes for a healthy, educated populace, which has a direct impact upon happiness levels. The lesson for us here in the States is, even though it's not free, stay as healthy, and get as educated, as you can.

3) Everybody lives within 20 minutes of the water. OK, that's an impossible standard to replicate in larger countries, but it's not an impossible choice for you to make on an individual or family level. It may not be an ocean, but any body of water bigger than your bathtub seems to have a soothing, calming, happiness-inducing effect.

4) Danes don't drive much. Given the best public transportation system in the world, and a predilection for bike riding, (not to mention the high tax on automobiles), Danes avoid the stresses and strains of driving. Choose the right environment to reside in -- from small town to large metropolis --  and you can, too.

5) Workers average five weeks off per year. Downtime, vacation, holiday, R & R -- call it what you will -- it is a key to enjoying life. If you're not getting, or taking, at least five weeks off per year, find a way to make it happen, even if it means a reduction in income or a change of job.

6) Danes drink alot of beer! Again, just like the denizens of Wrigley Field. Beer is the beverage of fun! Sure, wine runs second and tequila is a little over the top, but beer is the clear choice of the not just Denmark, but many of the top ten happiest countries. Don't drink beer and don't plan to start? OK. What does beer provide that you can find another means of experiencing? Camaraderie, relaxation, a break from daily stress and worries, among other things. Find other ways to enjoy those important components of life, stick to your herbal tea, and see if you're happier than your average Mormon.

But perhaps the most interesting thing about the Danes being the happiest people in the world is that they also pay the highest taxes in the world. In the U.S. there's always lots of grumbling about paying more taxes, but in terms of happiness the good ole US of A ranks 17th. Maybe if we spent our tax money on education, health care, public transportation, and vacations, rather than on war, corporate bailouts and pork barrel projects, our tax allergy would cease, and we'd all be a whole lot happier!