Denmark – One Of The Happiest Countries In The World

I know I speak for many people when I say that Denmark is just as incredible as everyone here who voted believes. No matter what category we always come out strong. Our capital, Copenhagen, was marked as the happiest city in the world in 2013 by the Earth Institute of New York’s Columbia University (Top 10 facts about Copenhagen, 2018) and remains that way in the hearts of many tourists and Danish people. Whether it is based on food, like our excellent Danishes, or the sites that are both modern and classical. Although, there is more to our astonishing country than the tourist sites and I hope that, like me, the following reasons are why you voted for this country. Denmark has been well ranked for years by sites and companies such as “The Good Country Index”.

Based on this site, Denmark is ranked third overall in sections such as equality, science, culture, climate, security and well-being. In science and technology Denmark is ranked 4th, in culture it is ranked 6th, in international peace and security it is ranked 64th, in world order it is ranked 9th, planet and climate it is ranked 14th, in prosperity and equality it is ranked 2nd, and in health and wellbeing Denmark is ranked 3rd (Results of Good Country Index. Retrieved October 10, 2018). Overall Denmark’s best ranking was in prosperity and equality. At the beginning of 2017 a video came out on YouTube by TV 2 Denmark. It was based on the concept that as people we are quick to judge and put people in boxes and put ourselves in boxes as well. The video has a group people put in boxes then step out when a statement applies to them. This video proved that as much as we are different, we are alike. When it comes to equal pay, there is still a gap. Although, I know that there is much work being done and laws being revised to make pay more equal (Human Rights, T. I).

Denmark has been ranked one of the best countries for women to live (Henderson, E. 2016, January 21). Denmark’s welfare system gives benefits that both free and give equal rights to all citizens which also applies to why Denmark is ranked such a happy country. When it comes to a country’s success one reoccurring factor is the country’s happiness. Now the definition of being happy is widely ranged and debated on. The populations’ experiences and emotions towards them and objective factors such as the one described in the Good Country Index (Helweg-Larsen, M. 2018, September 19) are ways to perceive happiness in a country. The UN World Happiness Report from 2015-2017 has Denmark marked in the top three for happiest countries. As a Danish citizen, I believe happiness in Denmark is determined by one word, hygge. If you’ve researched our country, you have probably come across this word. Hygge can at times simply be translated to mean to be cozy or enjoying the simplicity in things (Living, C. 2018, March 19). I know what you may be thinking and yes hygge does include sweatpants, fires, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks and oversized sweaters. Although, when describing Denmark as hygge it comes with a more complex explanation then sitting down by a fire with a hot cup of tea and a blanket (Living, C. 2018, March 19). A country’s values and core beliefs also impact people’s views and that is where hygge comes in, fundamental to our Danish well-being (Helweg-Larsen, M. 2018, September 19).

Hygge can happen when a person living in their country feels a sense of safety and balance in their life (Helweg-Larsen, M. 2018, September 19). What started as something focused merely in Denmark as part of Danish culture has now been received as a global perception and for that I thank everyone of you (Helweg-Larsen, M. 2018, September 19). I do believe that hygge is directly linked to Denmark’s success and consistent high rankings. With a sense of community in our beautiful cities, such as our capital, the togetherness brings a strong sense of hygge which builds relationships among citizens and trust with other countries (Helweg-Larsen, M. 2018, September 19). I am a strong believer that every country could incorporate hygge in their lives of their citizens. Hygge gives a sense of well-being to citizens which overall makes the country better. Now I could name all the reasons why I know Denmark is the best country but that is through all my bias as a Danish citizen. Standing up here in front of all of you feels like an immense win for my country and I am grateful to represent it tonight while receiving this award. Denmark is rich in culture and has amazing sites such as castles. Although, Denmark is not living in the past, it moves forward. It has very modern architecture and continues to grow. Denmark has such an amazing history and I hope you will get the chance to experience it.