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20 Happiest Places On Earth You Would Love To Live In

LEISURE LIFESTYLE BY ROSINA AYLING

A number of different measures contribute to the average overall happiness of any given country, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, and even overall generosity and social support. Here is the list of the 20 most prosperous countries in the world according to rankings in the 2014 Legatum Prosperity Index.

1. Denmark

Denmark has finally reached number 1, after being number two for three years running! With an average life satisfaction score of 7.69 out of 10. This tiny country ranks first in entrepreneurship and opportunities – based on high levels of social fairness, connectivity and very low start-up costs. Denmark support parents – families receive 52 weeks of parental leave. Danish children receive free health care, as do Mother’s. Gender equality is key – with top leaders being both men and women. Bikes count for 50% of the travel round Denmark – reducing carbon emissions.

Its capital city Copenhagen was also named the “world’s most liveable city” again earlier this year by the international affairs magazine Monocle for its quality of life. The city is now regarded as one of Europe’s top foodie destinations, with the help of restaurants such as Noma which was named the “world’s best restaurant” last year.

According to research from the University of Warwick, genetics could be the key to explaining a nations level of happiness. Danish birth was also associated with specific versions of a gene that influences brain levels of the mood chemical serotonin. Compared with other people, Danes were less likely to have a short version of the gene linked to low levels of life satisfaction.

2. Norway

Norway dropped one space in the world-happiness-ranking in 2014. However, they do have a brilliant sense of humour. They have great income, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices and generosity. Norway is among the richest in the world and ranks first in social capital and second in safety and security. Making it a very safe place to live, as well as a fun and free place. Norway is also really safe, they have a very low crime rate and off course, its a beautiful country.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most thriving countries in the world and one of the happiest. But why? Well, they have brilliant health care – they have the lowest Government spending on health care and some of the healthiest people. They are very happy, they have a very low depression rate and were voted 64th out of 122 in stress levels. They invest in top-notch education. They care about innovation and come first in the world for innovation and on-the-job training and they have created an environment where people can thrive, allowing people and companies to leverage that capital.

4. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a very rich country, a rich democracy and lots of social cohesion. Also, Dutch children are happy, because there are endless amounts of children’s playgrounds, petting zoos and kid-zones. They are also taught to have a very open relationship with their families and to communicate regularly. Dutch families have a very liberal attitude to sex, drugs and alcohol. Many people know the Red Light Districts, suggestive art, and about sexual equality. Nearly a quarter of Dutch women give birth at home under the supervision of a midwife. After birth, the women are entitled to maternity care where they will help new mothers care for their baby but also advise them, give them regular health checks and even help them with household chores.

5. Sweden

Sweden has high levels of social equality and political participation – it’s also a very tech-savvy country. Sweden is a good place to start a business. Start up costs are low. Although Sweden does not have higher economic wealth than the US, Swedens rate themselves as slightly happier than Americans do. Most Swedish families have two working parents, therefore a household has plenty of money.  Yes, taxes are high but they are used for brilliant health care, free university and a wide range of social programmes to help people get skills and jobs. They also receive a minimum of five weeks of paid holiday a year!

6. Canada

Canada is the most prosperous nation in the Americas. Canada is very tolerant and welcoming. As a whole, people have become a bit happier and more generous in the past five years. Canadians have brilliant life expectancy, freedom of choice and generosity. Ninety-four per cent of Canadians believe they know someone they could rely on in time of need while 82 per cent say they have more positive experiences in an average day than negative ones. Canada also has strong social ties with their family, friends and co-workers, they take more time and effort to make sure people are an important part of their lives.

7. Finland

Finland has very low levels of crime and poverty, they have brilliant health care and the best education system in the world and a healthy work-life balance. They get 36 holidays days per year and if you leave your job for a brief time you can come back to a guaranteed position months later. University is free and if students want a student loan the interest rate is only 1%. Finland also has the least corrupt government in the world and they have plenty of beautiful places to relax!

8. Austria

Austria has beautiful scenery, lakes, good food, fun celebrations and welcoming residents. As a result, residents tend to be very content. They believe in the old saying “live and let live”. Austria has low a crime rate (less than 100 murders per year). There is very little poverty and excellent public health care and public schools are easily accessible to everyone.

9. Iceland

Iceland may seem rather isolated but 8 out of 10 Icelanders report that they are very content living there. They have a very high level of trust and strong social bonds with each other – it is not uncommon to see babies sleeping in their strollers outside of coffee shops while the parents relax inside. Iceland is also a very open gay friendly place, people don’t even notice. They also have great health care, paid maternity leave, unpolluted air, Eco-friendly heating and clean water. And of course the scenery is spectacular.

10. Australia

Australians have a lot going for them – they have a booming economy, very low unemployment rates and the minimum wage is nearly $16 an hour. They also have a low crime rate, great health care and a very clean environment. Off course, the beaches and weather help too! They make sure they have a very good work-life balance. They are so friendly and easy to talk to. Public transport is so easy and cheap.

11. Israel

Israel is ranked low in terms of income, housing, education and security – so why are they so happy? War has quite a bit to do with it.
 The fact is that Israel has been in a perpetual state of war—or under the threat of war—since David Ben-Gurion declared independence in May 1948, the only Western country in the world in which this is the case.

 Because of this they love life more than any other country.

They also enjoy higher life expectancy than Germany or The Netherlands, regardless of the war. They over 82 different kinds of ethnic communities and at any day you can bump into several of them. They have no censorship (within reason) and most radio stations will use swear words, however those swear words seem to have little or no impact. Just don’t swear in Hebrew, that is disrespectful. Women have many rights in Israel, with them being  one of the first countries to have a female Prime Minister.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica isn’t a particularly wealthy country but they are very happy! They are incredibly green, with residents being very aware of their carbon footprint. Costa Ricans also have a high life expectancy – 78.5 years on average. Costa Rica has no army, instead they spend their money on education and health care, making them very peaceful. Environmental protection is massive in Costa Rica, they are very green and have a tree-planting programme. Costa Ricans have a very healthy diet in local fruit. Even their money is happy, they have brightly coloured notes with pictures of the country’s beloved wildlife on them.

13. New Zealand

New Zealand is ranked 1st in Education and 2nd in Governance and Social Capital. New Zealand reflects a high-life expectancy. This why its people are so happy. New Zealanders are the friendliest people in the world, from the shopkeepers to the average person walking down the street. New Zealand are pretty strict with drinking, they ID everyone and they do no tolerate drunken behaviour.

14. United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, many drivers are intentionally getting speeding tickets with the hope that the arresting officers will drive them to the police station in a Bentley or Aston Martin. Now really, when you’re happy to get pulled over, what does that say about your country? With the ever-developing plans, economy is booming by the day.

15. Panama

Panama has a strong sense of generosity as well as a low perception of corruption. They have a very positive attitude to life and are very laid back.  Panamanians love their fiestas and will not miss an opportunity to have a party. Social contacts are very important and a lot of time is dedicated to small talk and personal conversations. Families are very strong in Panama and on Sunday’s everyone still gets together.

The country has a thriving economy, with cost of living so cheap – you could live in a 3 bedroom apartment for $800-$1500 a month. You can live car-free, most things are in walking distance and it’s very easy to use public transport. Costa-Ricans have a very healthy lifestyle, with a simple diet and a lot of exercise. They also have a fantastic landscape, booming economy, financial stability and positivity runs high.

16. Mexico

Mexico on a whole has a strong baseline for the happiness and well-being of its citizens reflecting a perception that what they have makes life enjoyable. Mexicans have a better ability to cope with life’s negative experiences, pain, worry, sadness and instead remain positive, content and hopeful.

17. USA

The USA have a high life-expectancy and high levels of well-being. America is one of the most resilient countries in the world and is very open to radical change. Americans can express themselves very openly. Americans are also less likely to view money as a way of leading them to happiness. 80% of Americans are very happy with their partner and family life. They also have the best road trips in the world, because traveling is so easy around America. They are very diverse, they have hundreds of different cultures and are very accepting of people and you their food … that would make anyone happy!

18. Ireland

Irish people are among the happiest in the world, according to a new global report. Healthy life expectancies and generosity are elements that keep the residents of Ireland happy. In general, Irish people are more satisfied with their lives, with 84% of people saying they have a lot of positive experiences in an average day. Ireland is a very fair place, with powerful people keeping in check by the media, law and public opinions. Ireland also excel at sport, they get involved and are very patriotic.

19. Luxembourg

Luxembourg proves that sometimes money can buy happiness. It has great access to education, with 100% of the population being literate. Luxembourg is a well-known tax haven. Luxembourg’s average unemployment rate from 1982 to 2014 was 3.3%, the lowest in the Europe. Luxembourg was ranked 3rd best country in the EU for business efficiency. Like other European countries, Luxembourg has a free and universal national health insurance system. Luxembourg celebrates National Day on 23 June as the sovereign’s official birthday. The night before (22 June) is festive, with torchlight parades, fireworks, music, and parties. National Day is more ceremonial, including military parades, cannonades, and a “Te Deum” sung in the national cathedral… AND they have Prince Felix!

20. Venezuela

Finishing the list is Venezuela, where in 2012 the country paid respect to some of the worlds most endangered species by setting up a 1,440 square miles shark sanctuary in the Caribbean Sea. They are very happy, energetic people and they love a dance and a party. Venezuelan people give a lot of importance to friendship, when they have a best friend, they stick by their side anytime because true friends are hard to come by. They are also very healthy, drinking natural juices during dinner instead of fizzy drinks.

Featured photo credit: snow globe via shutterstock.com

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Featured photo credit: snow globe via shutterstock.com

Don't Be the Cheapest, Be the Best

Often, founders are worried about how they price their product compared to their competitors. They will find out what everyone else is charging and price their product towards the bottom end of the price range. Their reasons for doing this is they want to be competitive and ensure their price isn’t a hurdle for potential customers.

Yet, I caution that pricing low is a strategy they should implement. Let me explain why.

Someone can always be cheaper

When dealing with the price of a good or service, new companies need to understand that there can always be a cheaper option.  Regardless of how cheap they go, their more established competitors can choose to price their good or service lower than the new company. The competitors have established brands, usually more cash on hand, and are often willing to lose a little money in the short term to price out the competition.

Don’t get into a pricing war with your competitors.  Instead, offer something better than them.

Related: The 4 Types of Competitors That Brands Must Battle

People are willing to pay for quality

“We know we’re not the cheapest option in the market, but we make up for that by providing our clients with once in a lifetime experiences and providing them with the best guides and programs," says Mike Brcic, the founder of Sacred Rides, a mountain bike tour company based out of Toronto that was recently ranked the mountain bike tour operator by both National Geographic Adventure and Outside Magazine. 

He’s very aware that they’re not the lowest-priced option in their space but also understands that his customers are ready to pay for an amazing experience and because of that, his company has grown aggressively for the past few years.

Make more money selling one item than selling one hundred

Similarly, Rob Alday, the co-founder of Abode, a luxury property management company that specializes in high-end ski lodge rentals, decided to eschew the low end of the market to focus on lower volume and higher margins.

“Our rentals are not for everyone, and I’m alright with that," says Alday. "This just means that we’re better able to focus on our core audience and this makes our marketing efforts easier and keeps our customer service requirements at a minimum.”

Alday, like many other entrepreneurs in the luxury market have avoided pricing wars altogether and instead focus on a small segment of the market. This helps with marketing, infrastructure, growth, and overhead costs. Plus, he never has to nitpick over a dollar here or a dollar there when looking at his competitors.

So, the next time you’re considering how to price your product or service, instead of sweating the pennies, look at how you can charge MORE by offering a better quality experience for your customer. You’ll be shocked at how much less stress is involved with pricing up instead of pricing down

15 Reasons You Will Live a Long Life

Your odds of living longer are higher than previous generations, mostly by virtue of being born in a time where advanced medical treatment is able to keep us healthier longer. To maximize your chances of seeing triple digits, there are a few things you can do. As you work hard to build your business and care for your family, it’s equally important that you put work into maintaining your body.

But how can you know if you’re doing what it takes to extend your life? Here are 15 signs you’re likely to live well into old age.

1. Your community has plenty of small businesses.

An interesting study from professors at Louisiana State and Baylor Universities revealed that communities with larger concentrations of small businesses tend to have lower mortality rates than areas filled with big-box retailers. This reinforces the value of a sense of community for overall health. The researchers theorized that the strong entrepreneurial culture in these businesses benefits a community’s overall health. These findings contradicted earlier thinking that large businesses are better for towns due to the economic development they bring to the area.

2. You have the right personality.

How would others describe you? One study found that men who were described as conscientious and open to experiences were more likely to live longer, while women who were agreeable and emotionally stable tended to have longer lives.

3. You eat the right foods.

What you put in your mouth each day could more directly impact your lifespan than you realize. Several foods have been linked to longer life, including foods with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Related: 3 Time Management Tips That Will Improve Your Health and Productivity

4. You’re happily married.

Several studies have found that marriage benefits a person’s longevity, including one Duke University study that suggests individuals who have never married are twice as likely to die prematurely. However, this benefit has also been witnessed in men more than women. Some experts believe that women are more likely to form supportive relationships outside of an intimate relationship, giving them some of the same benefits they might also have gotten from being in love.

5. You floss.

Flossing doesn’t just shorten your dental visits. It also can lengthen your life. Some say regular flossing can add up to six years to a person’s life. By removing particles from between your teeth, you’ll help reduce the risk of bacterial infections that can lead to deadly diseases.

6. Your mom was young when she had you.

If your mother was under the age of 25 when she had you, your likelihood of living to 100 is significantly higher than if she was 25 or older. Scientists believe this could relate to the quality of a mother’s eggs when she’s younger as opposed to older.

7. You have children.

If you think your children are taking years off your life, stop worrying. Studies have found that dads are less likely to die of heart disease than childless men. For moms, the key to long life could be in the number of children they choose to have. One study found that not only do moms live longer than childless women, but the more children they have, the longer their life expectancy.

8. You stand.

If you sit at a desk all day, the key to lengthening your life could be one of those standing desks. Research indicates that standing has the effect of lengthening a person’s telomeres, which cause cells to die when they get too short.

Related: Harvard Professor Crafts $50 Standing Desk That Can Fold Into Your Laptop Bag

9. You stay out of the sun.

As the most common form of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer risks are no laughing matter. But most people only use sunscreen when they plan to be in the sun. To increase your longevity, choose products that include UV protection for daily wear, including moisturizers and lotions.

10. You exercise.

There’s no shortage of studies showing exercise reduces health problems and leads to longevity. The question is exactly what type of exercise you should do? Some studies show running lengthens life and others show that in excess, running can actually shorten a person’s life. The key to success with any kind of exercise appears to be moderation. Too much exercise can do more harm than good, experts say.

11. You sleep.

Perhaps equally beneficial, and more fun than exercise, is sleep. Eight hours of sleep per night can stave off serious illnesses and lead to a longer, healthier life.

12. You drink plenty of coffee.

If you spend most of your day filling your coffee cup, you may actually be a step ahead of your non-coffee-drinking associates. Studies have shown that drinking coffee not only extends a person’s life but also helps stave off illnesses like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. To credit for these health benefits is coffee’s antioxidants, which prevent damage to the body’s molecules. One study of more than 400,000 people aged 50-71 found that those who drank the most coffee were less likely die over a period of 12-13 years.

Related: The Benefits Of Coffee

13. You don’t over eat.

In America, children are rewarded for eating every last morsel. However, Japanese people who live to be 100 often engage in a practice called hara hachi bu, which tells participants to eat until they are 80 percent full. The key to living longer may be in simply eating less food at each meal.

14. You volunteer.

Giving back to your community can be beneficial to you, as well. I've been helping for years with the Open to Hope foundation where they are helping people deal with the death of a child.  Studies have found that volunteerism lengthens a person’s life as long as the activities have the right motives behind them. For best results, your volunteer efforts should be motivated by altruism or a desire for a connection with others.

15. You know how to manage stress.

Stress is very detrimental to a person’s health. For busy professionals, it’s important to find methods to cope with stress, whether through activities like meditation or through simply taking time to do what you enjoy.

By living well and spending time with others, you’ll enjoy a longer, happier life. Start slowly by making small changes in your life and you’ll likely find healthier behaviors are easier than you’d imagined.

It Is Very Hard to Find a Lady that Understands Enough to Accept the Schedule, Attention and Demand My Job Requires – M.I Abaga

M.I Abaga has gotten a lot of questions about his personal life and if he would be getting married soon.

In an interview with Punch Newspaper’s Saturday Beats, the rapper addresses his relationship status and if he will be getting married soon.

He also talks about a recent interview that Kelly Hansome had in which he stated that he had created M.I’s success (click here if you missed it), whether or not there is animosity between him and Olamide and much more.

Read excerpts from his interview below.

On Kelly Hansome’s claims of creating his success: I read the article but I don’t think that is exactly what he was saying. I understand that it is all about publicity but there are some comments that do not need response. Of course, Kelly Hansome and I have met, we have spoken and we have a cordial relationship. If Kelly Hansome said he made MI, I don’t think it is something I need to respond to. I think MI’s success is self-evident and that is the truth.

On Olamide: I am a huge fan of Olamide; people do not realise how much I appreciate what he is doing right now. He is not alone because there are other indigenous rap artistes like Reminisce and their music is amazing. What they are doing has never been done before apart from that of the late Da Grin. They should be supported. However, I have no problem with Olamide. We see each other and we are friendly towards each other but I will not say that we are close friends. I am happy about his success. He is even on my album and we do not have any form of beef.

On getting married: I don’t think MI is in a relationship and Jude Abaga is a very private person who hardly talks about his personal life. But if people are really curious about my private life, all I can say is that there is someone. With my career, it is always wise to keep things personal. However, if I am getting married, I will not be able to hide it. At the right time, it will happen but it is very hard to find a lady that understands enough to accept the schedule, attention and demand that my job requires. If I find the lady and we get to that point, I will call you first.