When you think of the happiest place on Earth, your mind might drift to fairy tales or sunny beaches. But in 2025, it's a charming northern European capital that takes the crown — Copenhagen, Denmark. This vibrant city has been named the happiest city in the world, according to the Happy City Index, a global study that ranks 250 major cities based on how content and satisfied their residents are with life.

So, what makes a city happy? It's not just the weather or the wages — it's a powerful combination of well-being, social trust, community spirit, and quality of life. And it turns out, Copenhagen checks every box.

Created by the Institute for Quality of Life in collaboration with global researchers, the Happy City Index is one of the most comprehensive rankings of happiness available. Unlike general "livability" lists, this index zooms in on what genuinely influences human happiness in urban environments.

For 2025, the study encompassed 250 global cities across six core dimensions of happiness. The goal? To understand what makes people not just live — but thrive — in their cities.

Photo: unsplash.com/@febiyanr

Copenhagen Claims the Top Spot for 2025

Out of all 250 cities, Copenhagen earned the number one spot, praised for its strong sense of social responsibility, balanced lifestyle, and consistent government support for citizen well-being.

According to the report, Copenhagen’s residents benefit from inclusive policies, excellent infrastructure, and a shared cultural mindset that values balance over burnout.

While other cities performed well in one or two categories, Copenhagen consistently scored high across all six happiness pillars — making it the clear winner.

One of the driving forces behind Copenhagen’s happiness is its investment in people. From early childhood education to adult learning programs, Denmark emphasizes the importance of lifelong development. And it pays off.

Copenhagen also leads in urban innovation — smart city tech, eco-friendly housing, and cycling infrastructure all help make daily life more enjoyable and less stressful. Add in generous healthcare access, and you’ve got a society built to support its citizens at every stage of life.

Photo: unsplash.com/@pan_snig

It’s impossible to talk about happiness in Denmark without mentioning hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”). This Danish concept doesn’t have a direct translation, but it roughly means coziness, comfort, and contentment — especially in everyday moments.

Think: warm lighting, a cup of coffee shared with friends, or curling up under a blanket with a good book. Hygge is deeply rooted in Danish culture and contributes to a slower, more intentional way of living.

And in Copenhagen, hygge isn’t just a vibe — it’s a way of life.

Rather than chasing luxury or material success, Copenhagen’s culture encourages you to find happiness in the simple joys of life. You’ll see people enjoying leisurely bike rides, unwinding in candlelit cafes, or chatting over pastries in local bakeries.

Hygge appears everywhere — in architecture, work culture, and even in how cities are designed to prioritize human-scale living over flashy skyscrapers. It’s a city that’s not trying to be the biggest — just the most liveable.

In second place was Zurich which scored 993, and in third place was Singapore with 979. Read on for the full top 20 – where 15 entries are European – or have a look at the complete list on the Happy City Index here.

These are the world’s happiest cities

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Zurich, Switzerland

3. Singapore

4. Aarhus, Denmark

5. Antwerp, Belgium

6. Seoul, South Korea

7. Stockholm, Sweden

8. Taipei, Taiwan

9. Munich, Germany

10. Rotterdam, Netherlands

11. Vancouver, Canada

12. Vienna, Austria

13. Paris, France

14. Helsinki, Finland

15. Aalborg, Denmark

16. Berlin, Germany

17. New York, USA

18. Dresden, Germany

19. Brussels, Belgium

20. Geneva, Switzerland