Congratulations, Vikings! Norway is now the happiest country on the planet, according to an annual United Nations study. Norway wrestled the top spot away from Denmark, which is followed by Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, and the Netherlands.
Nordic countries are apparently happy countries. However, they are also partially socialist countries and have been that way for many generations. In other words, the Nords know of no other life than a government-centric, cradle to grave existence.
On the other hand, South Sudan, Liberia, Guinea, Togo, and Rwanda are at the bottom on the happy list. Again, there is not a lot of freedom and liberty in those countries either.
So, where is the United States ranked? We are number 14, just ahead of Germany. That’s down one spot from last year.
Of course, the people behind this study at the United Nations are blaming too little socialism (accusing us of too much “income inequality”) and say too much of President Trump will make us more unhappy.
The U.N. bases the rankings on six factors: per capita gross domestic product, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, social support and absence of corruption in government or business.
But, in reality, there should be only one yardstick: liberty, because without it human beings can never comprehend the true meaning of being “happy.”
Despite the drop in the rankings, it is better to be 14th in happiness and free, versus No. 1 and not know what you’re missing.
Graham Ledger (@TheDailyLedger) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. He hosts “The Daily Ledger” on One America News Network.
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