Denmark: "The Happiest Place on Earth"

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Jul 2006 12:53 PM

"The Happiest Place on Earth." No, this isn't a blog about a Disney theme park. Rather, the title typically used to describe the land of Mickey and Minnie has been adopted by a European scientist to describe a country not everyone would consider a prime vacation destination.

According to Adrian White, an analytic social psychologist at the UK's University of Leicester, Denmark has won the title of "the happiest place on earth." White used responses from 80,000 people worldwide to create a "world map of happiness," though some say its better classified as a "map of subjective well-being."

The study (which was just published two days ago) showed that a nation's level of happiness was most closely associated with health levels. Prosperity and education were the next strongest determinants of national happiness respectively. Considering those factors Denmark came out on top, followed closely by Switzerland and Austria. The Bahamas ranked 5th and the United States of America came in at 23rd. Zimbabwe and Burundi were ranked as the "unhappiest" places to live.

I have blogged on Copenhagen in a previous blog, but never considered it would help Denmark grab a "happiest place on earth" title. For those of you unfamiliar with the country, Denmark is known for its magnificent castles and palaces, along with its internationally acclaimed museums and world-renowned music and cultural festivals.

The city of Copenhagen is home to one of the most visited gardens on earth-Tivoli Pleasure Gardens and parents of LEGO-lovers know that Jutland is home to the ultimate LEGOLAND. Denmark is also a highly regarded for its historic churches and royal buildings, many of which date back to the 17th century and testify to the country's long and proud history. Denmark also attracts a large number of outdoor enthusiasts. It's landscape includes a number of notable fjords and other waterways that play host to number of international kayak competitions.

To learn more about the Danish State or to plan your own trip there click here.

Related Article:

Visiting Copenhagen's Jazz Festival

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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