Yes, the Dutch are generally considered a happy population, consistently ranking high in global happiness reports (like #5 in 2025) due to strong social trust, work-life balance (like "niksen" or doing nothing), excellent welfare (affordable education/healthcare), and cultural emphasis on simple, direct living, despite their tendency to complain as a form of social bonding. Dutch children are also ranked as some of the happiest globally.
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, the Netherlands continues to rank among the happiest countries in the world. The Netherlands reclaims its spot as one of the happiest countries in the world, coming in fifth in the World Happiness Report 2025.
This has led to the Dutch often being described as: reserved, conscientious, rule-driven, thrifty, efficient, sober and modest.
Finland named as happiest country for eighth year. Finland has been ranked as the world's happiest country for the eighth successive year, with experts citing access to nature and a strong welfare system as factors.
Dutch people are usually very open, friendly and welcoming. In the Netherlands, only parents and children live together. In general, they do not live with grandparents, aunts, and uncles. During meals, Dutch families usually share their adventures of the day.
For the Dutch, honesty is not only the best policy but also the most efficient way to build trust and avoid misunderstandings. To sugarcoat or obscure what you mean is not considered polite—it's confusing. Directness is seen as a virtue, a way of respecting the listener by telling them exactly what you think.
Highly educated foreign nationals working in the Netherlands (expats) may be eligible for an annual tax-free allowance from their employer of up to 30% of their salary. This tax benefit is intended to compensate employees for the additional expenses they incur, such as those relating to travel or furnishing a home.
The World Happiness Report ranked Australia 11th and New Zealand 12th in the world, lagging behind Israel, Mexico and Nordic countries. Believing in the kindness of others is more closely tied to happiness than previously thought, according to the latest findings.
Trust and safety. Trust is an essential value in Danish culture and society, and a significant factor in Danish happiness. In Denmark, the default is to trust one another when it comes to business, government, or personal relationships.
Ranking of the least happy countries worldwide 2024, by score. Afghanistan was ranked the least happy country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report from 2025. The country scored only 1.36 on a scale from 0 to 10.
Dutch society is egalitarian, individualistic and modern. The people tend to view themselves as modest, tolerant, independent and self-reliant. The Dutch value education, justice for all, hard work, ambition and ability. They are proud of their cultural heritage, rich history and involvement in international affairs.
The Dutch and Scandinavians Have Common Germanic Ancestors
The demographics of each region are ultimately much more complicated than that, but this common ancestry has likely contributed to the common traits and similar cultures we can see today.
In fact, they're the tallest on the planet — but why? There are four potential reasons. Studies show that the average height for Dutch men is 1.86 cm (over 6′) whereas an average American is 1.76 cm (5'9”). So why are the Dutch so tall, you ask?
The Netherlands has a high cost of living, which includes everything from accommodation, groceries, and services. On average, the cost of living in the Netherlands is 10.7% higher than in the UK. Owning a car is particularly expensive, with high road tax and expensive repair costs.
But when I asked parents and children in the Netherlands why they thought their children were so happy, they all had one answer: Dutch parents value giving their children independence, possibly above all else. American parents say they value independence, too.
It has the world's 11th highest nominal per capita GDP and the 13th highest PPP-adjusted per capita GDP as of 2023, making it one of the highest earning nations in the world.
Denmark's "11-hour rule" mandates a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of rest for employees within every 24-hour period, ensuring adequate recovery between shifts, alongside a break after 6 hours and limits on weekly hours (averaging 48), all part of EU directives to protect worker well-being and requiring employers to implement time tracking systems for compliance.
Finland is ranked as the number one happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. Factors such as a strong social welfare system, high levels of trust, excellent healthcare, and a good work- life balance contribute to the well-being and happiness of its residents.
The Practice of Hygge: The Danish Secret to Happiness
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Yes, $70k is a fair salary in Australia, often near the median income, making it a decent living for a single person, especially outside major cities, but it can be tight in expensive areas or for those with high living costs like mortgages, with full-time averages now closer to $90k-$100k.
The average income in the Netherlands is around €36,500 gross per year. This means that a salary of €70,000 is almost double the average income. It is therefore understandable that this is considered a high income.
As of Spring 2023, the most important issue facing people in the Netherlands was that of the environment and climate change, with over a majority of respondents selecting this option as being in one of the two most important issues. By comparison, relatively few people named the government debt or unemployment.
The Dutch are known for their directness. It is typical for people to say what they feel or think about anything and everything. Although those students coming from a different culture may experience this as confrontational, this characteristic is actually highly valued in Dutch society.