Finland has been voted the happiest place in the world for the seventh consecutive year, the World Happiness Report 2024 has found.
Famous for its stunning landscapes and excellent quality of life, Finland remains in the top position thanks to its simple lifestyle, commitment to sustainability, deep connection to nature, and love for seasonal and local food.
Finland's Nordic neighbours, including Denmark and Sweden, are also in the top five.
The ranking is based on six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption using data from sources including the Gallup World Poll.
For the first time, the report focused on the happiness of people at different stages of life. The average happiness of young people is declining across the West, while happiness among the young (aged 15-24) has fallen sharply in North America – to a point where the young are less happy than the old. On the other hand, under-30s in Lithuania rated their happiness an average of 7.6 out of 10 — the highest in the report.
The top 10 countries have remained much the same since before the pandemic, while the United States and Germany have fallen to 23 and 24 in the rankings. Israel came in fifth place, however, authors noted that the three-year average of the rankings often mutes the effects of events taking place during a particular year.
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"Piecing together the available data on the wellbeing of children and adolescents around the world, we documented disconcerting drops, especially in North America and Western Europe," said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an editor of the World Happiness Report.
"To think that, in some parts of the world, children are already experiencing the equivalent of a mid-life crisis demands immediate policy action."
The report was published to coincide with International Day of Happiness on Wednesday 20th March 2024. Read the full report here.
Take a look at the full list below...
10 happiest places to live in the world 2024
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Israel
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Australia
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Le Manoir, Oxfordshire
As you approach Le Manoir along its long, lavender-lined path, you'll soon realise you're checking in at a truly special hotel. On the grounds of this picturesque English estate, Raymond Blanc has created a beautiful blend of eccentric French and British flourishes, evident in the quirky décor as well as the Michelin-starred food.
The grounds here are sublime, with acres of orchards, wildflower meadows, natural spring ponds, and a zen Japanese tea garden to enjoy. But the real highlight is the excellent herb and vegetable gardens which provide the kitchen with organic produce which the chefs soon rustle up into award-winning dishes.
The hotel offer: Stay for one night at Le Manoir from £685 per person and enjoy a welcome glass of Champagne on arrival, a seven-course dinner, breakfast in L'Orangerie or in your room, and a guided tour of the 11 gardens and orchards with a senior gardener, as well as a limited edition bag with Le Manoir treats.
Rick Stein's St Petroc's, Cornwall
The renowned chef Rick Stein has played a huge part in Cornwall’s gastronomy scene for the past few decades, famously running several restaurants in Padstow. He and his wife Jill opened their first outpost, the Seafood Restaurant, in the town almost 50 years ago and it’s as popular as ever today.
At St Petroc’s, there are 10 bedrooms for a handful of lucky guests to stay over for a food-focused seaside break. Sights nearby include Rock, Daymer Bay (ideal for kite- and windsurfing) and various scenic coves. Your furry friend might not be as discerning as you when it comes to food, but St Petroc’s is pet-friendly, so they’ll be welcome to come along too.
The hotel offer: Spend two nights at in a Cosy room at St Petroc’s (upgrades are available) and enjoy the full foodie experience: a three-course set lunch with a glass of Champagne in the Seafood Restaurant and a three-course à la carte dinner at St Petroc’s Bistro. You’ll also be able to savour a bottle of Rick Stein’s Spanish wine with some cheese and charcuterie at Ruby’s bar. Continue the culinary adventure after check-out – a signed copy of the star chef’s newest book Food Stories will be in your room on arrival ready to take home.
Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire
Ragdale Hall is a sumptuous country pile in the Leicestershire countryside and is the ideal escape if you’re looking for state-of-the-art wellness facilities. This beautiful manor house has a rooftop infinity pool where you can kick back and soak in the gorgeous views of the rural surroundings.
There is also a wide selection of wellness treatments available so you can be sure you’ll be leaving feeling rejuvenated.
The hotel offer: Save up to 35% on a blissful two-night spa break at Ragdale Hall, which includes two 40-minute spa treatments, full use of spa facilities including the Rooftop Infinity Pool, a Clarins skin consultation and gift for each guest, and all meals throughout your stay. From £582 per person.
Richmond Hill Hotel, London
It may be close to the heart of the capital, but Richmond is home to London’s biggest Royal Park – and with a stay at Richmond Hill Hotel you’ll feel like you’re in the countryside but with all the bright lights of the city on hand, too. The hotel is in a Georgian townhouse that was refurbished a few years ago, with modern additions such as under-floor heating, smart televisions and Heal’s beds ensuring 21st-century comfort.
From this bucolic base, you can go in search of the park’s famous deer, stroll along the banks of the Thames or head to Kew Gardens. And to get to Waterloo, it’s just a 30-minute train ride.
The hotel offer: A two-night stay at Richmond Hill Hotel, from £235 per person in a Georgian Deluxe Room, with breakfast each morning, afternoon tea with a glass of champagne each on the day of arrival, a dinner allocation of £35 per person and late check out.
Mosborough Hall Hotel, South Yorkshire
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There are also several stately homes with beautiful landscaped grounds within easy reach of the hotel, including Haddon Hall, Tissington Hall and the famous Chatsworth Estate. If you’d prefer to simply relax at the hotel you could enjoy a delicious afternoon tea before taking a walk in the delightful surrounding gardens.
The hotel offer: Enjoy a two-night stay at Mosborough Hall from £129 per person with breakfast on both mornings, a two-course dinner on your first night, afternoon tea on the second day and a free stay for dogs.
Rick Stein's Shepherds' Huts, Cornwall
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Summer Lodge, Dorset
In the sleepy Dorset village of Evershot and a short drive from Dorchester, this former dower house, built in 1798, offers an idyllic rural retreat for some true peace and quiet. Guests can borrow a bicycle to explore the scenic surroundings, play tennis or croquet, or head to the spa.
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The hotel offer: This two-night stay in a Cosy Double costs from £395 per person, with breakfast, dinner on both evenings (plus a bottle of wine on the first night), and access to the hotel’s spa and swimming pool.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
