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Norway, the happiest country in the world (apparently).

jarofthoughts

jarofthoughts

Empirical Curmudgeon
So, as of 2017 Norway has been deemed the happiest country in the world.
Granted, most of the Nordic countries tend to populate the top 3-5 of that list every year, but apparently we beat all the other ones out this time.

Thus, seeing as I am Norwegian myself and have lived here all my life (apart from working for shorter periods of time in other countries), I figured that if anyone has any questions or things they've always wondered about regarding Norway, I will do my best to answer them here in this thread.

A bit about myself, so you know where I am coming from: I am a 41 year old elementary school teacher, a profession I've practiced for about 12 years. Before that I worked as a bouncer for a few years, and I was also a marketing executive for most of my twenties. So I've tried a few different things.
I've had personal experience with the Norwegian healthcare seeing as I almost died a few years back, but I have never been unenmployed. I served for a year in the Norwegian military as a kind of recon ranger, but just the mandatory stuff.

So, if you have any questions, please post them below.

Source: Happiness report: Norway is the happiest place on Earth - BBC News
 
George-ananda

George-ananda

Advaita Vedanta, Theosophy, Spiritualism
Premium Member
I thought I heard a lot of Norway's comfortable situation can be traced to oil money. Is that a correct understanding?
 
jarofthoughts

jarofthoughts

Empirical Curmudgeon
George-ananda said:
I thought I heard a lot of Norway's comfortable situation can be traced to oil money. Is that a correct understanding?
Click to expand...

Yes and no. There is no question that the oil industry founded in the 1970s has had a huge impact. But more so the fact that we have made sure (so far at least) to keep the natural resources in national ownership, and used the earnings thereof for the benefit of all citizens. Keep in mind that the other Nordic countries are also doing quite well for themselves, and they do not have that kind of oil money.

There are a few things that the Nordic countries have in common that I think contribute to their overall comfort and happiness.
1. Universal healthcare. For everyone. A few years back I had a stint at the hospital that included staying for three weeks, two of which were on 24 hour watch, not to mention a ****load of medication. It cost me a total of... 0 dollars. I just signed the release papers and left.

2. Free education for all. Even higher education in Norway, Sweden and Denmark is free of charge. No tuition fees, no nothing. Except for a small registration fee (60-80$) all you have to pay for is your own books. You can, in theory, graduate with a doctorate in Norway without any debt, although most do take up (very reasonable) loans to cover living expenses while they study.

3. Strong social systems. If I lose my job tomorrow (hardly likely, but...) I will get 80% pay for two years at least.

These, and more, contribute to a general sense of safety and calm, in that even if **** hits the fan, your life won't be completely ruined.
 
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jarofthoughts

jarofthoughts

Empirical Curmudgeon
RedDragon94 said:
Makes you think. :)
Click to expand...

They seem to be doing everything 'backwards' as compared to many other countries around the world.
Being a teacher in Finland is considered very high status and they are paid very well.
Which in turn means that they have plenty of applicants to choose from.
They also have no standardize testing until the end of higher elementary school, and they have little to no homework.

Makes you think indeed. ;)
 
ADigitalArtist

ADigitalArtist

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
My family and my husband's family both come from Norway. I'd love to do a Baltic tour through Scandanavia. :)
Is there a family recipe or Nordic dish you like the most?
 
Stevicus

Stevicus

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
It looks like Norway moved up in the rankings, up from number 4 from last year. Switzerland has gone down a couple of notches. Too bad the late great Casey Kasem isn't with us anymore, as he could have announced the "Happiest Top 40 Countdown."

The US slipped one notch, down to 14 from the previous year's rank of 13. That must have been my fault, since I was quite unhappy that we weren't at least in the top 10. I'll try to be happier this year and pull our rating up a tad.
 
jarofthoughts

jarofthoughts

Empirical Curmudgeon
ADigitalArtist said:
My family and my husband's family both come from Norway. I'd love to do a Baltic tour through Scandanavia. :)
Is there a family recipe or Nordic dish you like the most?
Click to expand...

It has been a family tradition of ours to always serve this dish every Christmas evening, and so it has become one of my absolute favourites. ^_^
In Norwegian it is called 'pinnekjott' or directly translated 'stick meat'.
The recipe calls for dried, salted, and often smoked lamb ribs that are then watered (to remove some of the salt) and then steamed for hours until the meat barely hangs on to the bones.
It is then served with potatoes, mashed root vegetables (with bacon fat), and melted butter.
It. Is. Awesome! ^_^

Pinnekjøtt - Wikipedia
 
Wirey

Wirey

Fartist
jarofthoughts said:
So, as of 2017 Norway has been deemed the happiest country in the world.
Granted, most of the Nordic countries tend to populate the top 3-5 of that list every year, but apparently we beat all the other ones out this time.

Thus, seeing as I am Norwegian myself and have lived here all my life (apart from working for shorter periods of time in other countries), I figured that if anyone has any questions or things they've always wondered about regarding Norway, I will do my best to answer them here in this thread.

A bit about myself, so you know where I am coming from: I am a 41 year old elementary school teacher, a profession I've practiced for about 12 years. Before that I worked as a bouncer for a few years, and I was also a marketing executive for most of my twenties. So I've tried a few different things.
I've had personal experience with the Norwegian healthcare seeing as I almost died a few years back, but I have never been unenmployed. I served for a year in the Norwegian military as a kind of recon ranger, but just the mandatory stuff.

So, if you have any questions, please post them below.

Source: Happiness report: Norway is the happiest place on Earth - BBC News
Click to expand...

I have a question: Do you drive a Chjevy, or a Fjord?
 
jarofthoughts

jarofthoughts

Empirical Curmudgeon
Stevicus said:
It looks like Norway moved up in the rankings, up from number 4 from last year. Switzerland has gone down a couple of notches. Too bad the late great Casey Kasem isn't with us anymore, as he could have announced the "Happiest Top 40 Countdown."

The US slipped one notch, down to 14 from the previous year's rank of 13. That must have been my fault, since I was quite unhappy that we weren't at least in the top 10. I'll try to be happier this year and pull our rating up a tad.
Click to expand...

And the best of luck to you! :)
 
jarofthoughts

jarofthoughts

Empirical Curmudgeon
Wirey said:
Ajudi, eh? Cjool!

I'm Canadian, and I've always said we should invade you guys. You'd never see it coming, and when it was over it would be hard to see any difference.
Click to expand...

And as a Norwegian I've always considered Canadians our cousins across the dam.
I'm pretty sure there would be no need to invade. Just come on over and have a beer. Stay as long as you want. ^_^
 
Stevicus

Stevicus

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
jarofthoughts said:
And as a Norwegian I've always considered Canadians our cousins across the dam.
I'm pretty sure there would be no need to invade. Just come on over and have a beer. Stay as long as you want. ^_^
Click to expand...

I think the Vikings still have an outpost in Minnesota. They were invaders. ;)
 
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