The Top 20 Happiest Countries In The World

Costa Rica

The second Central American Country to grace our list, Costa Rica is home to not only the 12th happiest citizens on the planet but some of its most beautiful rain forests. Primarily a Spanish speaking nation of 4.5 million citizens, Costa Rica is nestled between Panama and Nicaragua and is frequented by tourists the world over.

Israel

Following its creation and independence in 1948, this nation of 8.2 million adopted the official name of the State of Israel. Despite having some occasionally hostile neighbors, Israel possesses an advanced economy that provides its citizens with a GDP per capita of over $38,000. Situated in the Middle East and bordering the Mediterranean Sea on its Northwest coast, Israel has the highest standard of living in the Middle East and boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

Australia

The “Land down under comes” in at number 10 on our list. Known officially as the Commonwealth of Australia, this nation of 23.8 million citizens is officially part of the United Kingdom. Boasting a GDP per capita of over $67,000 and a life expectancy of over 82 years, plus some of the world’s greatest beaches, it’s little wonder that Australia’s citizens are so happy.

Iceland

Despite its small population of just 329,000 people, Iceland comes in at number 9 on our list of happiest countries. Located in the Northern Atlantic between Europe and Greenland, this country may not have tropical beaches but its citizens are content with life nevertheless. Supported by a GDP per capita of over $47,000 and strong social programs, Icelanders ranked extremely highly on the U.N.’s ranking of happiest nations.