Happy countries

National Geographic issue November 2017 has an inspiring cover story THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS.  What can we learn from Costa Rica, Denmark and Singapore –the most joyful places on the planet?

It would seem riches or possessions are not prerequisites for happiness. So New Zealand’s recent philosophy of rewarding the well off at the expense of those not so well healed is not the way to go. For all that, on world happiness surveys, we Kiwis do quite well, even slightly better than our Aussie neighbours.

Governments being seen to look after its people goes a long way. In other words social democracy. Feeling secure knowing a safety net is there when needed is appreciated. Having a purpose in life, enjoying one’s job, is another element for happiness. Being able to laugh a lot is an indicator. My employers at Christchurch Tramway score brilliantly on the laughter scale.  Happy people typically work no more than 40 hours a week and generally do some hours of voluntary work. They are likely to belong to clubs. 

I have never been to Costa Rica. Its success partly relates to it not developing large farms as did other Central American countries.  Costa Rica is therefore not dominated by an influential landholding class. Small property owners have elected presidents whose priorities include education, clean water and affordable health care.

I have been to the two remaining happy countries. Singapore did not appeal personally. Maybe I need to take another look? Singapore rewards hard work and ensures those on low salaries are supported with housing subsidies. The multi-ethnic society is also built on harmony and respect.

Denmark, on the other hand, appealled greatly and topped my expectations as a friendly country for travellers. Fact I was a long-distance bicycle traveller was undoubtedly in my favour. Denmark is a great supporter of bicycle commuting with those commuting on bikes outnumbering those in cars in the capital, Copenhagen.

Denmark’s highly-acclaimed social democracy does not come without a cost. The Danish pay higher taxes than would be tolerated with good grace in New Zealand. They agree, however, that they get excellent value for the tax they pay. Happiness appears to rely on agreeable government/society partnerships.

But are the Danes really happy? Judge for yourself from a few images I captured in the Copenhagen CBD.