The happiest place on Earth

Once again is Denmark the happiest country in the world. It is the third time that it is on top. Denmark's capital Copenhagen was declared the best city in the world by design magazine Wallpaper. So what is the secret? Are they really that happy? What are they doing it differently than everyone else? Is it because it is cold? Or because of their high living standard? The answer is probably not that simple, because there are always many factors that contributing to the fact that life in Denmark is so great. 

After living here for few months now, working as an intern in one of the cultural houses in Copenhagen I can say that people really do seem happy here. On the bus, metro, train people will smile at you, they will help you on every step. Just go outside, open a map nad try to look a little bit lost. Immedietely there will be someone helping you figure out where you are or where you need to go. Working in a cultural institution is giving me a special insight of how people interact with each other. People here are open, they want to go out, socialize, have fun, do some 'hygge' - extremely danish thing meaning (in the words of my co-worker) complete absence of anything annoying and unpleasant. Work culture is very friendly, non-formal, based on knowledge and experience sharing, collaboration, team work and personal responsibility. Taking a day off is not a problem, like in most countries, because they see a value in people and their contribution to the success. I am not saying that they do not know long working hours and taking some work home, but it is all more relaxed and not presured. 

At one of the events that we had for children, all the parents or grandparents participated as well. They played with their children, helped them with their creative work but still let them do something completely their own. Parents here are more likely to take children out to play in the parks and get dirty, even in rain, snow and (extreme) cold. They see the benefits of their children playing and getting the experience of falling, failing and doing it all over again with the goal to succeed. Caring about health is also important part of danish culture. Biking and walking and running in the rain is nothing to be afraid of. You will not get cold if you go out when it is raining, and you will not die if you actually get wet. Being active is a part of their daily routine. Danes love eating healthy. Vegetable and fruits, preferably ecological, organic and other trendy things that most of us foreigner see as just a 'fashion' is their normality. You will even find an eco beer in their supermarkets. :) How cool is that?

For me living here is a bit of a struggle, but that is only because I have to survive with my scholarship and savings. But even for me and other students living on a budget here can be exciting. There are possibilities to survive and have fun at the same time. Just get yourself a bike and Copenhagen will be at your feet. Tons of flea markets (for students, children,...) are popping up all the time, everywhere and are just the most amazing thing. I never thought that flea market is something 'rich' Danes would consider having, but they are very much into sustainability. Just a few weeks ago a social grocery store opened up here, where you can buy supermarket stuff for a lot lower prices. These are the products that are not 'perfect' in supermarket standards. 

Culture. Well, there is a lot of culture here in Copenhagen. Every neighbourhood has a cultural house or two with variety events going on all the time. Libraries are a huge thing here. It is a place to go, hang out, read and learn. All over the town are small and big festivals, great street food at Paper island, activities for all ages, many sport facilities and a lot of fun everywhere you go. 

People here are quite honest and fair. Your bike will not get stolen the first week. If you loose something there is a chance that you will get it back intact. Caring is important and in big cities it is often lost, but not here. Copenhagen is really great city to live in. It is a city where you will feel appreciated and you will learn to appreciate it back. It is not cheap to be here but it gives you a lot in return. Experiences people, experiences are what matter. :)