The Netherlands Ranks Fifth in Global Happiness and First in Child Wellbeing
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The Netherlands has been ranked the fifth happiest country in the world and its children are the happiest in the developed world. The country also leads globally in bicycle use and has low rates of drug disorders. These outcomes exist alongside policies like a national smartphone ban in schools and government-funded youth programs.
Facts First
- Ranked fifth happiest country globally in the latest World Happiness Report.
- Dutch children are the happiest in the developed world, according to Unicef's latest child wellbeing index.
- Has the highest bicycle-to-person ratio in the world and low rates of drug disorders.
- Schools have a blanket ban on smartphones and government funds cultural and youth programs.
- All new mothers have the right to a maternity nurse (kraamzorg) through health insurance.
What Happened
The latest World Happiness Report ranked the Netherlands as the fifth happiest country, following Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Separately, in Unicef's latest child wellbeing index, Dutch children are ranked as the happiest children in the developed world. The country also has the highest bicycle-to-person ratio in the world. According to Our World In Data, 0.9% of the Dutch population have drug disorders, compared to 3.8% in the US, 1.7% in the UK, and 1.2% in Spain.
Why this Matters to You
These rankings highlight a societal model where high wellbeing for both adults and children appears to correlate with specific, tangible policies. You may see parallels or contrasts with your own community's approach to education, health, and urban design. The Dutch example suggests that investments in cycling infrastructure, bans on smartphones in schools, and universal postnatal care could be factors in fostering a happier, healthier population.
What's Next
The specific policies in place, like the school smartphone ban and funded youth centers, are likely to continue. Other nations may look to these Dutch outcomes as they address global declines in child academic performance and mental wellbeing noted by Unicef since the Covid-19 pandemic. The ongoing work of local programs... shows a continued commitment to supporting young people.