1. Netherlands
3. Iceland
Next up? Iceland, which ranked No. 1 in health and safety, but No. 10 in education. Why so happy? The country has recently had one of the highest GDPs in the world. They read a lot of books and have one of the highest rates of women working outside the home. But mostly, one writer argues, it’s because of their strong sense of community in raising children. Patchwork families mean lots of support in childhood and beyond.
4. Finland
Finland was fourth overall but No. 2 in material well-being and No. 4 in education for children. Recently, it was named the happiest country on Earth. What gives? Among other things, their taxation system has narrowed, if not eliminated, a lot of disparity between the rich and poor. And children’s services, including education, child care and health, are well-funded. Men and women are, in general, equal. What’s not to be happy about?
5. Sweden
Sweden ranked No. 2 in health and safety, but No. 11 in education.
Swedish kids’ happiness, according to expats living there, is due to good funding for schools and health care, and a culture that, in general, is supportive of children.
6. Germany
Germany was No. 2 in education but No. 13 in housing and environment.
German parenting had its moment a few years ago, when we learned that German kids are allowed (and encouraged) to take risks. The children there have a lot of freedom. And they’re also well-cared-for in terms of health, child care and schooling.
7. Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s children were No. 22 in education, but No. 4 in health and safety.
The small European country is the second-richest in the world, and the wages are excellent.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland, the richest country in Europe and one of the richest in the world, came in No. 1 for housing and environment, but No. 16 for education. Its health care is renowned and accessible, and it’s one of the most highly educated societies in the world. Though some say it’s “boring” for adults, the nature, the trains and the relative freedom children experience at an early age contribute to the happiness factor of childhood.
