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Denmark Is Officially The Happiest Country In The World (Well, It Is Home To Lego)

*Cue mass migration*
By 

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

Denmark has been announced as the happiest country in the world, knocking Switzerland off the top spot in the UN's 2016 World Happiness Report. 

The report was compiled based on interviews with people living in 156 countries. 

The winning happiness factor for Danish people was that everyone feels equal.

The top five happiest countries are:

1. Denmark

2. Switzerland

3. Iceland

4. Norway

5. Finland

Researchers measured people's happiness levels by looking at six key factors: the country's GDP (economic performance), social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity and perceptions of corruption within the country. 

The UK came in at a pitiful 23rd place, while Ireland was 19th on the list (despite going through a financial crisis) and the US was 13th.

The top three unhappiest countries are:

1. Burundi

2. Syria

3. Togo

The report's website reads: "The reports review the state of happiness in the world today and show how the new science of happiness explains personal and national variations in happiness.

"They reflect a new worldwide demand for more attention to happiness as a criteria for government policy."

Before You Go

10 Tips For Happiness in 2017
Work (01 of10)
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"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(02 of10)
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"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(03 of10)
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"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Play to your strengths(04 of10)
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"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Altruism(05 of10)
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"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Focus on the positives(06 of10)
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"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(07 of10)
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"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(08 of10)
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"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(09 of10)
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"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(10 of10)
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"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."

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