Denmark slips to fourth in new happiness index

The increase in financial disparity in Denmark has left its mark

An increase in financial disparity in Denmark means the Danes have slipped to fourth in the latest Happiness Equality Index – Europe 2015.

Published by Danish-based independent think-tank Happiness Research Institute, the index ranked Finland top of the list, followed by the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, France and Germany rounded up the top 10.

“It is also striking that Denmark and Switzerland, the only two countries which have ranked 1st in the World Happiness Report (and thus enjoy high national averages), have seen an increase in the inequality of how happiness is distributed,” the index report (here in English) found.

READ MORE: Danes happy with their work
The index showed there was a connection between financial equality and a high level of happiness.

While the Scandinavia nations in particular enjoyed high levels of happiness, nations such as Bulgaria and Albania were at the bottom end of the list in terms of financial equality and happiness.

The index also revealed that high levels of happiness have little influence on lifespan. Finnish men have the second-lowest life expectancy in Europe at 77.5 years, while Danish men are just six months older.

TOP STORIES

  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs