The Norwegians have managed to knock the Danes off the top spot – just. The recently released World Happiness Report 2017 identifies Norwegians as the happiest people on earth, very closely followed by Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland, with other Nordic countries (Finland and Sweden) not far behind. The report identifies six factors that explain international differences in happiness, and where Norway and other Nordic countries score highly: income, healthy life expectancy, social support (having someone to count on in times of trouble), freedom to make life decisions, generosity and trust or absence of corruption.

How does competitiveness fit into this picture? Writer and education expert Alfie Kohn suggests that competition contributes to anxiety, envy and distrust. He argues that cooperative approaches promote pro-social behaviours and attitudes such as kindness, empathy and trust, and that the absence of competition allows the freedom to choose one’s own path and to try out new things. In other words, the absence of competition makes us happier. Conversely, economists Bruni and Zamagni (contributing to the Special Rome Edition of the World Happiness Report 2016 Update) argue that “participation in civil life, having friends … are essential parts of a happy life”. So, do Nordic society and culture offer any insights into the impact of competitiveness on happiness?

Nordic countries are generally well known for their relative equality and social cohesion. More particularly, the reasons for Denmark’s success were explored in a recent study by Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute.  The study used interviews with experts, analysis of international survey reports, and a national survey of around 10,000 Danes. It identified a number of reasons for the Danes’ happiness (with some overlap with the World Happiness Report):  the existence of a strong civil society, a well-functioning democracy, a high degree of security, trust, freedom and prosperity, together with good working conditions that allow room for a balanced life.

Levels of trust, for example, are amongst the highest in the world. The report describes how Danish parents will leave babies in pushchairs outside shops and cafes while they run errands. Self-service fruit and vegetable stalls, trusting customers to pay for their goods, are common. Closely linked to trust is the concept of a strong civil society, in which people spend time with family, friends and in their communities. The study reports findings that in 2010, 78 per cent of Danes socialised with friends, family or colleagues at least once a week, compared to 60 per cent of Europeans. More broadly, Denmark scores highly on social capital and social cohesion, measured by the degree of voluntary work, propensity to help strangers, trust and charity. Conversely, levels of social inequality are comparatively low.

These findings emphasise the importance of social relations, and point to a link between a more cooperative, engaged and trusting society and greater happiness. The benefits of social relations are also reflected in a recent, less scientific exploration of Danish life: the concept of hygge, which encompasses a range of life attributes including togetherness, cosiness and the enjoyment of simple pleasures. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute claims that “hygge is the magic ingredient that makes Danes the happiest nation in the world”.

All of this paints a picture of a society that prizes community over individualism, the provision of public goods over individual gain, and enjoyment of life over social status – in other words a more cooperative, less competitive society. None of this is to suggest everything is perfect or that Denmark (and other Nordic countries) do not face their own challenges. But if we’re looking for clues as to what makes a happy society, and what role competition plays, it seems like a good place to start.