Most people aim for better physical and mental health, but some countries are more attuned than others. As such, they’re often the happiest countries to live in. However, some happy places are desperate for a bump in population and are offering incentives to families willing to relocate.
One of the World’s Happiest Countries Needs more People
For example, Albinen, Switzerland offered British residents a chance to relocate in 2024 and paid families around $20,000 to $40,000 to do so ($20,000 to individuals under 45 and around $10,000 per child). Located in Central Europe, “tucked into the Swiss Alps,” Albinen is a small village whose population has declined. However, the offer from one of the happiest countries in the world is not without stipulations.
Stipulations of Citizenship
The most significant is that new residents must purchase a new home of at least $200,000. Furthermore, new residents must agree to live there for at least 10 years and become a citizen of the nation.
Happy Country with Rural Areas
Albinen, located in one of the happiest countries in the world, has a small population of only 243. As such, it’s a rural community but you’re likely to live in peace and serenity. However, you might want to stay indoors most of the time as the elevation is 4,000 ft and the area can get around 40 feet of snow annually. Either way, it was an ideal offer for people looking to pack up and start a new life, a life of adventure and tranquility.
Higher Costs and Higher Wages
Interestingly, the quaint little frontier village is part of the well-known Röstigrabenwhich, dividing French and German-speaking populations, according to Mirror. While the cost of living is higher than most places, there are plenty of reasons to love the area. Firstly, they have higher wages on average so it’s easier to keep up with the cost of living compared to other countries. Secondly, It’s known for having phenomenal internet access for remote positions, so anyone can live and work there. Lastly, it’s one of the happiest countries in the world.
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The World’s Happiest Country
Switzerland falls behind Finland, and a handful of other countries, for the happiest country in the world. However, the financial incentive to move there, coupled with the other benefits of a happy, tranquil, and safe environment make deciding to move a little easier. Despite not being number one, there are plenty of reasons to live in, or at least visit Switzerland but there’s a love about the happiest country in the world too.
Happiest Country for Around a Decade
Finland, the happiest country in the world for around 10 years straight, offers residents countless benefits that solidify its place as the number one happiest country in the world.
Why Finland is the World’s Happiest Country
One reason for Finland’s place as the happiest country in the world is the country’s reputation for having “high levels of trust and freedom in its society,” according to BusinessFinland. Furthermore, the happiest country also has a “perceived lack of corruption” and is a place where neighbors trust one another. Meanwhile, studies have shown Finland’s “proximity to nature” has played a role in better overall mental health.
Lastly, Finland is the happiest country in the world because of the opportunities for a work-life balance and an “anti-stress” lifestyle.
The Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World
Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Australia are among the top 10 happiest countries in the world. However, there isn’t enough data to reflect the feelings of citizens in nearly half of the world’s countries. Rather, the World Happiness Report has been tracking data from only 143 countries since 2002 to determine the happiest country in the world. In 2024, they updated the study and found that Finland has been the happiest country for years.
Incentives for Prospective Residents
Although the happiest country in the world isn’t offering a financial incentive to new residents, there are some Asian and European countries with smaller or more rural areas that are struggling to keep up a lively and growing population. As a result, several have offered incentives similar to Albinen in Switzerland.
Some European Examples Include
Ireland has 30 coastal islands hoping to “diversify economies” and is offering prospective residents around $90,000 to “buy and renovate vacant homes.”
Greece
Greece’s population is projected to continue to decline and Antikythera is rapidly losing its lively nature. As such, the island is offering new families a little over $500 a month for the first 3 years. “We need young families large enough to make Antikythera alive and full of children’s voices,” explains Antikythera’s mayor Efstaratios Charcalakis.
Italy’s Incentives
Meanwhile, SevenSeas explains that Italy has several rural places with stunning views and financial incentives for prospective residents. For example, Calabria is offering around $30,000 to new residents under 40, who are willing to accept an in-demand job or start a business and will move within 3 months of their application approval.
Japan is Offering an Incentive
Japan is among the nations facing population decline in rural areas. As such, the Japanese government is offering prospective qualifying residents around $30,000 to move to rural areas.
The happiest country doesn’t offer a financial incentive, but it’s still a wonderful place to visit, inviting tourists and visitors to explore many of the elements that make its citizens so happy and mentally sound. Either way, the world offers several beautiful and happy destinations.
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