The happiest country on earth

Historian Finn Erhard Johannessen at the University of Oslo believes Norwegians are the happiest because the standard of living has been raised to a level where we can allow ourselves to relax.

“We have a welfare system that takes care of us, a safety net. When it comes to income and standard of living the inequality is low, and our society is rather safe and harmonious, without internal conflicts. We don’t have to worry, as it cannot go too wrong in Norway. This gives us a fundamental feeling of safety and freedom, both socially, financially and security-wise.” says Johannessen.

Social researcher Ottar Hellevik, the author of the book «The pursuit of Norwegian happiness» (Jakten på den norske lykken), said in an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet that something has changed in Norwegians’ value orientation since the beginning of the millennium. For instance, he says, more have replaced a materialistic way of life with an idealistic one.

"There is a clear tendency for a more content population. More Norwegians than before believe they could get by on less, and more say they are happier,” said Hellevik to Dagbladet.

 

The happiest country on earth Norway!!! 🇳🇴 🇳🇴 🇳🇴 i am more than happy that i did had the chance to experience and explore your beauty and culture ❤ though the weather is cold yet the people are warm that makes me want to stay longer. The beauty from the northern part down to south offers unique charms that captivates me every single time. You definitely deserves the title of the happiest country! Jeg savner deg Norge ❤ en dag, vil jeg komme tilbake bare vent på meg 😘 #queenundermycontrol #learntotravelandtraveltolearn #norway #happiestcountryintheworld #happiestcountry #un #europe #scandinavia #visitnorway #norge #bergen #stavanger #oslo #tromsø #nature #beauty #travel #travelinstyle #travelingishappiness #happy #eatwelltraveloften #happyexperience #happiestplaceonearth

Et innlegg delt av Roxann F.👣 (@roxiemie) onsdag 22. Mars. 2017 PDT

Norwegian highlights

In the aftermath of the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway comedian Are Kalvø made a list of things he appreciates about the Norwegian society. The daily paper Aftenposten then invited its readers to do the same thing, and these were among the most popular contributions:

“That people hang forgotten hats and mittens on trees and fences, in the hope that the owners might recover them.”

“That I once overheard the country’s prime minister introduce himself like this at a party: ‘Hi, my name is Jens, I’m Camilla’s brother.’”

“Immigrants with (Norwegian) dialects”

“That a terrorist attack lead to record-high sales of flowers – not weapons.”

“That everyone has the same opportunity to succeed, get an education and become what they want, without regard to gender, economy and background.”

“Good water”

“That we can say, write, think and mean whatever we want. Loudly.”

“That we can hike wherever we want in forests and mountains, and that we greet whoever we meet on our way.”

“That our king in times of sorrow is seen more as a consoling grandfather than an authoritarian king.”

“That people can be at each-other’s throats in a TV debate, before sharing a taxi home.”

“That when you forget your wallet at the store, you can retrieve it the next day with everything still inside.”

“That the healthcare system doesn’t care about your income, but about how sick you are.”

 

Flam//Norway - spent the last couple of days in beautiful Norway. 🇳🇴 Road tripping with four of my friends. And what can I say Norway? You are absolutely breathtaking! Witnessed some of the most insane landscapes and places, and met some of the nicest people. They just got it right. Quite apt too as it was recently nominated as the happiest place to live, with scenes like this. I'm not surprised. Here is a little village in the very pretty Gudvangen fjord, one of many heritage sites in Norway.

Et innlegg delt av @capturing_this torsdag 23. Mars. 2017 PDT  

Before the welfare

A good economy and proper health care have both had an effect on the degree of happiness.

Though not many decades ago the Norwegian health care was miles from today’s welfare system, in some areas based on volunteer work, like housewives' groups doing checkups on newborn infants. Electricity didn’t reach the rural parts until the mid-60s. At about the same time the Norwegian car fleet started growing.

"In addition, the import of commodities increased after years of war. I remember how happy we were when we got oranges for the Christmas party," says historian Johannessen.

In the 1950s Oslo’s population counts revealed how a sizable family could share the same one bedroom apartment which today houses only one person. The toilet was out in the backyard or in the stairway, while several neighbouring families shared a kitchen.

"Yes, it was crowded," says Johannessen, before adding:

"They didn’t even use the space they had. The nice living room was only for when they had guests over. It was important for their self-respect, they wanted to demonstrate that they were doing well."

 

Congratulations to Norway for being named as the world's happiest country 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 How can people not be happy when they are able to see this lovely cities with fjords and outdoor adventure waiting for them? And they also served great food and coffee. Here's a picture taken last winter when I had a chance to visit Oslo and celebrate new year in Norway. Really thankful that I was able to enjoy Norway though 4 days were not enough. #instadaily #Oslo #genduttapihepiOslo #Norway #fjord #throwback #worldshappiestcountry #fuji #fujifilm #xt10 #VSCOcam #VSCO #latepost

Et innlegg delt av Suryadi Wangsadiredja (@swangsadiredja) tirsdag 21. Mars. 2017 PDT

Terrifying teachers

Another stop on Norway’s road to happiness, Johannessen believes, is the shift away from an authoritarian society.

"When I went to school in the 60s, I was always terrified that the strict headmaster would punish me. And the hospitals back then were almost like military barracks, where patients had to get up at 6 am for a temperature check. Now they rest, perhaps they sleep till 9 and get some breakfast whenever they feel like it," says Johannessen.

He believes the so-called 68s, the generation of radical students in 1968 and the following years, should take some credit for this development.

"Our bosses and teachers don’t frighten us as much anymore. And children can argue against their parents, although this sometimes gets out of hand."

Johannessen chuckles.

 

Lofoten background 🇳🇴❤️🇳🇴❤️#happyavecstekip #norwayskitrip #inlovewithnorway #lofoten #expandyourplayground #happynorway #summittosea #alpigirly

Et innlegg delt av Eveline JeanRichard (@happy__eve) torsdag 07. April. 2016 PDT

Future optimism

"What about Norway makes you happy?"

"Well, right now I'm spending Easter in the mountains near Valdres, so I would say beautiful and untouched nature. That’s probably high on many lists. I’m actually on my way up on the mountain plateau to ski."

"So, what is it about the Norwegian nature?"

"Maybe it’s how it gives you a sense of freedom, while using your physical strengths? You get in touch with this ancient instinct, something inside us that gets lost in the city life," says Johannessen.

"And in the years to come, how do you think life will change in Norway?"

"Most people don’t think there’s a chance for an even better life 50 years from now, but I do. Many historians are optimists because the society has always improved. I think we'll solve the problems we worry about today. And we’ll have even more time on our hands to enjoy other sides of life, like cultural and social aspects."

 

A view like this must also be a reason why Norway has been listed as the happiest country in the world in 2017. 🇳🇴 . . . . . . . . . . #unaltered #nature #beauty #ekebergparken #scandinavia #islands #sea #peaceful #happiestcountry #Oslo #Norway #europe2017

Et innlegg delt av Haleema (@haleemaaffan) torsdag 23. Mars. 2017 PDT