Denmark - The State of Happiness

They are judged the happiest people on earth, with the world’s best energy system, a GDP per capita almost a third higher than Britain, more bikes in daily use than the Netherlands, a swim just 15 mins away from every Copenhagen resident and state-run TV that changed the face of drama with Borgen, the Killing and the Bridge. Yet Denmark is small (with about half the land mass of Scotland's with roughtly the same population). It has less oil/coal/gas to fuel its economy and lost an empire - just like Britain. Yet the Danes have bounced back to become the modern, eco-leaders of Europe. How did they do it?
Music from “Skyklokke” by Henriette Ambæk Flach official web www.gofolk.dk / henriette.flach
Borgen Theme performed by L'Orchestra Cinematique · Halfdan Nielson ℗ 2015 MD - Chapel Music Halfdan E Music Aps Music Publisher: Amplitude Editions Musicales
Samso Drone Footage by Simon Selmer - / @simonselmer1370

[@unclesamshrugged2621]

Americans pay very high taxes, just by another name: Health insurance premiums, social security payroll taxes, college tuition, childcare, auto expenses (due to lousy public transit), high cost utilities. If you add this up for a typical American, our true tax rate would likely be 40-55%. The Danish get universal health care, childcare, retirement, free college, great public transit and subsidized heat -- all paid for by their taxes. Will the US learn from this and improve our society? Probably not, because we're so arrogant and think we're "freer" than everyone else. How free are you if you can't afford healthcare or retirement?

[@BSTETDK]

You are so right!!

[@balkangetaway]

Healthcare in Denmark is shit. If you are sick your doctor will tell you to aet better when in fact you have cancer. And then you wait months and months to get to hospital. And the schools are free but that makes many students less motivated. We need to work until. We are 74. But we are lied to by our government all the time that we have the best of everything and no one questions it.

[@1Atzek]

Just for fun i tried to add every tax together, that the average american pays (with the help of chatgpt, so ofcourse there might be mistakes) what i found was that when you add all those taxes together its not that far from what i a as dane pay (Usa tax 35%) my single tax is 38%.

[@unclesamshrugged2621]

@@1Atzek Do you have kids? My own calculations for US parents in urban areas (for childcare / daycare, increased medical costs, college costs (amortized over time), driving kids everywhere and supporting a kid's automobile due to lousy public transit) come to a more than 50% effective tax rate.

[@unclesamshrugged2621]

@@balkangetaway The most common cause for personal bankruptcy in the US is medical debt. In the US, if you go bankrupt, you can end up homeless. Many people don't even go to doctors for fear of the cost. When you're sick or have an accident, the private insurance companies attempt to deny you coverage on technicalities. Are you saying Denmark is worse than all this?

[@andreasdebeskruse9390]

Documentary about happy Denmark. Always recorded in the summer :D

[@martinwinther6013]

and all of denmark looks like Nyhavn

[@Kaisersozze]

Yeah the 7 weeks of it or so I think haha. Still had to wear a light jacket when I was there in June.

[@Sky-blueteam]

How do you measure happiness 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@martinwinther6013]

@@Sky-blueteam you ask people if they have the fundamentals sorted, if they think they have a future, if they think they have safety.. Theres a lot of features that must be present before we can even talk about happiness - theres not one parameter to meassure, its the total of a lot of different factors

[@mrsandmrbutterfly]

Yes, how does one swim and ski in the dark 20-hour winter day?

[@KHValby]

I´m 60 now. As a 15 year old I went to an "Efterskole", specializing in Gymnastic´s. And Yes! It was the BEST year of my life.., to this day 😊 ! I screwed up a lot (made some bad choices) and got punished a lot (fair).., but still., never regretted that year of my life, neither would I want to forget it! All Because I learned SO much I could take with me, growing older! I´m a better person - today - for what I learned back then 👍😊👍 !

[@MachivelianBear]

Efterskole is definitly one of the best experiences a young person can have. Im so gratefull i had 2 years at efterskole!

[@REBECCA12341]

Tattoo not allowed

[@MarsteinThomsen]

First and foremost thank you for a wonderful program and I have lived in Denmark half of my life and I can confirm everything in this video is true Denmark is a great country and surely is one of the best countries to live in❤️

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@ronnionink7084]

@@REBECCA12341 what is your issue ? why are you saying "Suicide not allowed" to so many posts ? 1: its a very distasteful comment 2: it has absolutely nothing to do with what the comment is about

[@betsybetsy4716]

Where do you live now ?? Why you didn't stay there !!....If I knew this, when I was younger, I could had chosen to moved there.

[@Kirstinevad]

Dane here. The ability to trust each other and the wish to be trustworthy runs deep. Saves a lot of problems. A little help at the right is a lot better than a little help given further down. It might not make all that difference. Danes want everybody to succeed. Not just danes but other countries. That is a win-win situation. If one wants a piece of "the danish happiness" I think a good place to start would be the kindergartens. Really seeing the child and supporting development of personality and interrelations with the other kids is what those years are for in the kindergarten I think. Alphabet and numers are learned by playing. Happy, independent kids with good relations will strive to be happy and do well as adults. PS: Hoejskole and efterskole is not free though it is subsidised.

[@user-fi3fj8dn5s]

Do you use Zendium toothpaste? Is this better than US toothpaste? Denmark is listed as best oral health and I saw they have different toothpaste 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@johanswede8200]

Trust is by far the most important factor to a succesful society...in a proper family there is trust. Same thing. The Nordic countries are more or less the same when it comes to trust. Cheating or lying is a big NO NO... I guess in most countries in the World, people are much more egoistic...not a good recepie. I think trust within a society is one of the hardest things to acquire...Maybe impossible😢

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@johanswede8200fear Allah

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@user-fi3fj8dn5sdrugs alcohol pork not allowed

[@johnmills9360]

South African here , I can just see a local politician looking at the Denmark model and thinking , "but where's my grift going to come from ?"

[@Julleisa]

As a dane I would rather use the word CONTENT. It's more precise. And I enjoed your video as it, in many ways, are more telling about our country than a lot of other videos I've seen. Good job, and Skotland will always be welcome to join the nordic countries. Think you will learn more from us than from the british.

[@lailana3325]

yes i would also say that content is more correct than the word happy.

[@JesperSandgreen]

Happy is correct, Content is something else.. Happieness has 2 words in danish. Lykke and glad.. And in this case it´s glad = happy. Content means tilfreds in danish, that´s got nothing to do with happy or glad.. Lykke or lykkelig is the fairytale version of happieness, = rare kind, u have sometimes, but not a daily thing

[@ThearabizationStink]

Britain is run by masochists

[@agffans5725]

@@lailana3325 .. I would use the word glad instead of happy, because happiness is an elusive feeling, while being generally glad about not having to worry too much about most things, is not.

[@PpAirO5]

As a fellow dane i'd confirm that.

[@dumvivimus]

This is an excellent documentary! Thank you, it captures Denmark perfectly.

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@sonicmoronic4231]

As an American, I always find it so silly that people in the US freak out over Danish tax rates but like...we also pay high taxes, the only difference is that we don't know where it goes and we get only a fraction of the amenities and resources that Denmark provides to its citizens. Just watching this is so depressing because Americans (again, as an American) are conditioned to immediately reject this lifestyle :( we're so unhappy lol

[@simba8665]

The biggest economy in the world that provides its citizens with nothing. Only propping up perpetual wars, spying on its people, feeding its citizens with GMOs and a whole list of other things

[@macjim]

Excellent programme, Lesley 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍 Let’s get Scotland independent! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@veronicajensen7690]

well none of us will be anywhere near independent as long as we are part of EU , EU is centralization of power, and around 70% of all laws are decided in Brussels, I would however love cooperation between free independent nations on trade, knowledge and peace

[@atilla4352]

So what's so different in the UK with 6 years of independence? Honestly question, im asking as an eastern european living and taxing in the UK for 15 years...@@veronicajensen7690

[@JamesVaughan]

NO.

[@johanswede8200]

@@veronicajensen7690 Ridiculous😂😂😂

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@johanswede8200suicide not allowed

[@gieljanstouten]

Denmark looks like if The Netherlands had a scandinavian child. Greetings from NL.

[@alexysq2660]

Copenhagen/Denmark, and pretty much ALL the Scandinavian ( /Nordic ) nations, really do seem to have successfully got a handle on just how to effectively and suitably go about doing things and achieving meaningful results: in just about every way and sense, they clearly demonstrate what it actually means to *truly* be enviably sophisticated, progressive, modern, contemporary, livable, civilised, well-functioning, *¨developed¨* countries. ~Marvellous video, this 😊❤💖

[@johanswede8200]

Trust...it is all based on trust❤

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@johanswede8200suicide not allowed

[@REBECCA12341]

Tattoo not allowed

[@jakobraahauge7299]

Whatever model you choose - we hope you remember that you will be happily and warmly welcome into the family of the Nordic countries ❤

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@roamwithdory]

I was there two weeks ago. It's really amazing to watch how nice the surroundings are and how pleasant everyone is. I would love for the opportunity to live there. Coming back again in the Summer next time :)

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@eidodk]

@@REBECCA12341 What on earth are you yapping about ?

[@eidodk]

@@KurtFrederiksen Lately it has been like four months of it.

[@eidodk]

@@KurtFrederiksen You're obviosly living in southwest Jylland ... Copenhagen got 3 days of rain in the entirety of June, and the most sun since 1920.

[@dannnsss8034]

They are blessed. Peace with respectable neighbours. Rich. Lots of land. No need to fight.

[@annacarnegie6640]

Love love love this!!!! Brilliant watch 👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@clarkreeves13]

I'm so envious that Dane have such a harmony society and a excellent government. I hope one day I can see the scenery of Denmark with my own eyes.

[@karwithaessie2879]

Such an informative channel. I'm new her and I already love your content. Niice. Keep up the spirit.

[@kennethvenezia4400]

I'm a New Yorker, and I spent 7 months there in the 1980's. Even when Danmark was having problems, it was still one of the greatest nations I ever experienced. Tak Danmark 😊

[@ksriram1978]

Very insightful documentary on Denmark! Thank you.

[@user-fg2og3tx9u]

Am seeing your video here in Nairobi,Kenya the few visits to Denmark,Copenhagen and Arthus cities I enjoyed the descipline by road user and very kind Danes and cleanliness in Copeñhagen

[@44holmez]

Being a Dane and watching this is like studying an outdated text book on a subject you really know. You smile at how simplistic everything is described. Lots of things are recognizable and somewhat correct, but described bluntly without nuance and in its ideal state. Denmark is not this ideal little pradise. We have a lot of huge challenges; our old citizens dont get the care they have paid their taxes a whole life to get because there are too many old, too little money and too few care workers. Many of our young have serious mental issues stemning from abuse of and on social media. Our education system is in shambles from top to bottom. To say nothing of the problems all other countries in the West also struggle with; immigration, environmental issues, city gentrification, achieving energy supply stability, etc. On top of it all we have run out of good people who wants to run for political office and are only able to recruit poor leaders with limited intellects. The best candidates prefer the quiet, well paid life in the private sector away from the prying eyes of the ever present tabloid media. No, Denmark is not as straightforward idyllic as portrayed here. Nothing rarely is. On a few days during summer it is pretty cool, though….

[@miriamjenkins7337]

Whilst you're quite correct, all of the above-mentioned is also true of the UK and quite a bit worse than here. Yes, it's idealised, but we're still better off than the country she's comparing us to.

[@duncanstirling6953]

The SNP love to cherry pick anything that seems to work in other countries, particularly Scandinavian countries. They have reduced Scotland to a what is akin to a third national country..drug deaths, nhs, education, ship building… the list is endless…their only “success” is handing out baby boxes for new babies..thankfully the Scottish people are waking up to the debacle the SNP have created and hopefully the situation will change soon..

[@anyahayek9370]

As a Scot I would instinctively agree with you. Very well put. PS A pity it is such a badly made film with that loud, tacky music obscuring much of the dialogue

[@user-fi3fj8dn5s]

Do you use Zendium toothpaste? Is this better than US toothpaste? Denmark is listed as best oral health and I saw they have different toothpaste 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@44holmez]

@@user-fi3fj8dn5s Nice try mr Zendium bot. Really weird marketing strategy btw. Not a fan.

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

Denmark is one country which actually pays postgraduate (master's degree) students approx USD$1000 per month as an allowance to continue their higher education. Even PhD students get stipends to do research. It's like doing a full-time job. What a fantastic country!

[@Styggejoe]

efterskole is very underrated, you get grown up quickly and can easily feel you've got an advantage to peers who didn't go.

[@be8w]

It depends on who you are really. I have friends who have flopped in life because of efterskole.

[@thomassencindiver]

@@be8w Probably not because of going to Efterskole, they would probably have flopped either way, saying it's because of going to a specific school is a pretty harsh accusation

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@thomassencindiversuicide not allowed

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@be8wsuicide not allowed

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@jazzcuk3019]

Very informative and quality documentary. This is true journalism! Greetings from Indonesia! :)

[@meagain9987]

Amazing documentary!

[@TPK846]

They are lucky for their happy land. I used to travelled there for many times (supported me by Danish family) , Jylland, the north as well as in Copenhagen. i would like to come back again.

[@DGC816]

This was a really great video, very informative. Can we expect more videos like this about different Scandinavian countries?

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@tural7355]

Interesting. But consider putting the music volume down and speech up. It’s way, way too loud.

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@bobblues1158]

To ride without a helmet here in Copenhagen is insanely stupid! Things go wrong really fast and there are many tragedies. The biggest cause of accidents is from other cyclists. Especially tourists on electric bikes who have not a clue to the written and unwritten rules.

[@hedegard100]

Statistics, please!

[@jon3584]

Jeg kører i lastbil hver dag. Min psyke bliver påvirket af cyklister der ikke overholder regler og maser sig frem ved lyskryds, hvor der ikke er plads for eks. De kan hurtig være i den blinde vinkel, fordi de ikke har tålmodighed. De gør utilsigtede ting og sætter os andre på en stor prøve indimellem. En cykelhjelm er pis' ligegyldig når du ligger kvast under 12 ton. Mange turister holder ikke til højre på stien. Flere kører på modsatte sti i samme retning, men det gør danskere også. Turister kører i nogle tilfælde uhensigtsmæssigt. De lokale kører vanvittigt. Specielt i Kbh er det slemt. De lever med livet som indsats hver dag. Fordi man har forkørselsret, betyder det ikke man kan cykle som det passer en. Jeg vil ikke leve med et liv på samvittigheden, fordi de selv er skyldige i MIN "forseelse".

[@allannielsen1546]

I have never seen a tourist cause a serious bike accident - and I've been living in Copenhagen for nearly sixty years.

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@allannielsen1546suicide not allowed

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@hedegard100suicide not allowed

[@scottastell9415]

Amazing doc and insight.

[@user-fz1bs1jy3x]

What a great documentary movie. Well done

[@user-np7fk4lq1h]

I just love the buildings and their colours.

[@sanneharpse3352]

Ville ønske at man kunne fjerne eller sænke lyden på musikken. Jeg har svært ved at forstå det hele i den larm.

[@allannielsen1546]

Du kan slå undertekster til.

[@hejmuesli]

Good job. I really enjoyed watching that.

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@hejmuesli]

@@REBECCA12341 What?

[@PriteshPaul]

It's well thought city , futuristic, you guys are looking very young and beautiful ❤️

[@miriamjenkins7337]

As a Dane, I'd very much welcome Scotland in the Nordic cooperation. We're nearby, we're similarly sized and hold similar values(Not to mention, quite some genetic and linguistics overlap). Join our family! There's plenty sibling rivalry, but we've got each other's backs - always.

[@leslieelizabeth219]

I really enjoyed this. I now understand how we are so connected to the Nordic people in every way. Thank you for such a uplifting and informative program 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇦🇺👌

[@keithlordofalbascotland3371]

NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN SCOTLAND SHALL ALWAYS REMAIN IN THE UNION 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@user-fi3fj8dn5s]

Do you use Zendium toothpaste? Is this better than US toothpaste? Denmark is listed as best oral health and I saw they have different toothpaste 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@user-fi3fj8dn5sdon't die as a disbeliever

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@keithlordofalbascotland3371dog not allowed ect

[@amykins9870]

I found that the roots of my family tree began here more than anywhere they have extracted DNA from thousands of years old cemeteries. Its thrilling to know where my story began thousands of years ago!!

[@agffans5725]

In Denmark we have seen an increasing government budget surplus. It went from a small $613 million budget deficit in 2020 (because of the covid-19 crisis) to a surprising $8.4 billion surplus in 2021 and a just as surprising $18.4 billion surplus in 2022. The full 2023 figures have not yet been released, but is shows a $9.9 billion budget surplus in the first 3 out of 4 quarters of 2023, despite a huge increase in military spending's and billions worth of military aid for Ukraine.

[@MacDaddy8200]

Novo Nordisk Wegovy money is filling the coffers in the new budget. :D

[@agffans5725]

@@MacDaddy8200 .. Well, higher wages in general also = more taxes for the government, not least including a 25% Vat sales tax on everything. So when Corona and Russia made the prices go up, it automatically generated more money from taxes. But you are kind of right, because Denmark's biggest export is biotechnology and pharmaceuticals (from Novo, Lundbeck, LEO Pharma, Orifarm, ALK-Abello, Bavarian Nordic, William Cook and so forth) , in 2nd place is food that now has become more expensive everywhere, not to forget that the worlds 2nd largest container shipping company Maersk made their largest profit ever last year, and LEGO is always doing great no matter how expensive it is. The Corona virus did not change this at all, because when people were told to stay at home, then pharmaceuticals and LEGO is what would spring to mind, as some kind of comfort and enjoyment.

[@veronicajensen7690]

@@agffans5725 he is not kind of right, if it weren't for Novo Nordisk the Economy in Denmark would not be great, it would be like EU in general down the tube due to sanctions on Russia and somebody decided to blow up Nordstream , so now EU have to buy expensive energy from USA and most of what they still buy from Russia (and that is a lot)is through other countries who also earn on the transit so EU countries can hide they still buy from Russia-stupidity at it's worst

[@agffans5725]

@@veronicajensen7690 .. Novo Nordisk may be a huge company but they "only" paid a bit more than $1.2 billion in taxes in 2023, so even if they did not exist, there would still be a huge budget surplus, as written above. Btw, Denmark do no longer need to buy any gas (or oil), because the Tyra gas field has now been renovated and is finally up and running as of this year. Not only will it cover all of Denmark's use of gas, but also make room for export of more gas through the Norwegian + Danish gas pipeline to Germany and Poland.

[@agffans5725]

@@veronicajensen7690 .. As for Russia, it's not so much about the present sanctions, but that their gas is now being totally out-phased in Europe and also replaced with other sources of renewable energy, and not only for the time being, so even when the war in Ukraine come to an end, so will the Russia export of gas to Europe, and this export is lost for good and will never return, because Europe have lost every kind of trust and credibility they may have had in Russia in the past. So no more future import or export deals and no foreign investments in Russia, after they have confiscated foreign investments and companies.

[@michaldraw]

I’m immensely disappointed that they didn’t discuss the most important distinguishing feature in Danish society and economy: Worker Unions. Lots of countries have welfare programs, good education, and functional politics, BUT only Denmark and Iceland have a Share of employees who are members of a trade union higher than 2/3 (66%). This is, in my opinion, the only reason for our prosperity and all other positive effects lead directly or indirectly back to our high Unionization.

[@Monkib27]

I suppose there's only so much to include in a short film on KZbin. I bet they discussed whether or not to Include the trade unions. She probably knows about the trade unions strengths in Denmark. Lesley has worked with many people regarding Scandinavian culture. I believe she has various academic qualifications regarding Scandinavian culture. She made films about Iceland Norway and the faro islands also, check them out.

[@42apprentice]

Enjoyed seeing this with a crowd at the Cameo. I find it poignant as it might have been a society I could have participated in had my Dad taken up dual nationality after WW11, his mother was Danish. Keep up the good work on showing us the possible.

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@42apprentice]

Whit?

[@MK-vh9wz]

​@@REBECCA12341are you mental well.

[@MIKE-zi9my]

@@42apprentice Have you visited the country?

[@striker44]

37% income tax is not high for the value it gives.

[@KimBenzonKnudsen]

Thank uou for a nice film. Not everything might be quite as rosary, but it is not the worst place to live and thrive. As a Dane and a Nordic citizen I would love Scotland to become a part of the Nordic cooperation, the Nordic Council and such. We do have so much on common. Also mentally, culturally. But I understand you have some distance to go before this can be realized.

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@Earthrush]

I am a 51 year old Dane ,and went on efterskole for 3 1/2 year ,and to be honest it was the best years in my life .and i learnt ,soo much more from it in personality snd alot of other stuff

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@agffans5725]

As a Dane, I would use the word glad instead of happy, because happiness is an elusive feeling, while being generally glad about not having to worry too much about most things, is not.

[@agffans5725]

Btw, the word 'glad' has the exact same meaning in Danish as in English, so it's a word we share.

[@Kimfakkel]

@@agffans5725 Engelsk har mange ord de har fra os pga vikinger ;)

[@user-fi3fj8dn5s]

Do you use Zendium toothpaste? Is this better than US toothpaste? Denmark is listed as best oral health and I saw they have different toothpaste 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@avayer849]

Or maybe content is more the word. As you suggest, happiness is not a perpetual state of being and I can tell you in January and Februar er jeg ikke så glad. 😄

[@peterjacolsen7237]

First of all; I simply love Scotland, not in the way our Vikings did, but with a bit of shame liking that many of your sayings are still a reminder of our “visit”. As a now pensioned wine & spirits manager for 48 years, I’m also deeply in love with your whisky - even if I was almost expelled from Islay driving around the island by Jim the famous master blender at Bowmore. After counting several thousands of sheeps pissing and seeing the muddy water in the small rivers, I dared to ask him, if they did’nt consider to slaughter them to preserve the islands famous 7 or 8 distilleries. Jim almost drove me down to ferry, when I said that. In retrospect, the sheeps pissing might be the secret behind Scottish whisky🤪 I was very pleased and proud of your review of 🇩🇰, which made me think that I should be more humble about all the things I take as granted living in paradise. I sincerely hope that some scottish politicians will get some inspiration from watching your experiences in Denmark😎

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@avrilneilson8005]

Really enjoyed looking at Danish life. C'mon Scotland, get the keys to your own front door for once and for all. Ditch Wastemonster.

[@MichaelKaa-dx2hj]

Then you have to grow some balls and have an indy-ref2, and then say goodbye to the wankers in London

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@albertyoung8659]

Nice video ❤

[@lailavestergaard2429]

I loved this program you have made, i learnd a lot

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

Excellent fiilm. (as per all the other 'Nation' films Lesley has made) As per the 'World Happiness Reports' (see their website), which are extensively researched every year, Denmark and Finland have now been the 'happiest and fairest' countries in the whole world for the last 3 years in a row (and before that , were always hovering around the top 5 countires for over a decade) Both nations have the same size of population than Scotland, yet both don't have as much resources than Scotland does. The main difference is, under UK / Brit Nat rule, Scotland has all it's resources, wealth and tax taken away from us and then 'filtered' through the 'UK Treasury' and UK Government, who then hand us back some 'breadcrumbs' every year and then tell us to 'get on with it, and stop moaning about a lack of democracy' And all this happens in Scotland on top of the fact we can't even choose the governments we want or need. As an example, Scotland hasn't voted for a Tory government since 1955 (yes that's 69 years ago) yet we get Tory governments forced upon us time after time. And now the Labour party has become that 'right wing' it now looks like how the Tory party looked when the 'right wing' voters in England voted them into power in 2010. The Tories are now that 'right wing' they resemble UKIP, All in all Scotland can cure all this injustice , and it will be done by Scotland becoming fully independent so the people of Scotland get to choose what ever political parties and policies we both want and need. And yes, the way most people think about life in Scotland is very similar to our Nordic neiaghbours. Most believe in 'egalitarianism' and understand how much better it worlks. As human beings in general, we are by Mother Nature's design , beings of 'community' . This is the environment we all work best in (and it's a hugely important environment for children to grwo up in , and thus become responsible adults with a strong sence of comminity and of nature itself too. We look forward to becoming independent very soon , and we'll happily take up that open invite by our Nordic neighbours to join the Nordic Council and work alongside them all.

[@cyberfunk3793]

These reports are just nonsense and don't measure actual happiness at all. "Denmark stands among the top countries with most antidepressant users, with around 9% of the population prescribed these medications in 2021."

[@carstenhansen5757]

@@cyberfunk3793 Yeah, that's because we have free healthcare. Imagine the ten lower countries, if they were to give antidepressants to their population.

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@carstenhansen5757 Free healthcare exists in practically every other EU country as well, that don't have as many people diagnosed with depression per capita.

[@carstenhansen5757]

@@cyberfunk3793 That's not true. If you do not have a job, you're in trouble in some EU countries.

[@edwardbernthal160]

@@cyberfunk3793 you must have been so happy when you found that little piece of negativity, well done and I hope you are now as happy as a Dane.

[@pamelamcleman9396]

Thanks Lesley. 👍👍😊😊 Should we change the word 'taxes' to 'costs' ? As mentioned below the US has high costs in health insurance, university costs, etc, it's just taxes by the backdoor, but without the benefits of collective systems.

[@5Antvin]

if the population is below 10m and a somewhat homogenous there's seeming more content and solidarity within a country

[@peterpearson1675]

You are perhaps gilding the lily just a little bit,but as an expat Brit who left his depressed town in northeast England in 1969 to live in Denmark,I can only say that Denmark is absolutely the best place in the world to live.

[@Mrinalkothiyal]

Quality content mam,,,,,,love from india❤😊

[@stoissdk]

1:35 I didn't know we had a river in Copenhagen =)

[@TubeSomeYou]

The elementary school teacher pays 37% tax PLUS 8% tax - which she forgets to mention :)

[@nickeypetersen5622]

Dont exchange happiness with satisfaction. Or just basic satisfaction.

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@mikkeljacobsen6846]

We love you back ❤,,,, best regards from 🇩🇰

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@mikkeljacobsen6846]

To me its not a problem ,,,,,🎉

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@REBECCA12341]

@@mikkeljacobsen6846 drugs alcohol pork not allowed

[@mikkeljacobsen6846]

@@REBECCA12341 drink and eat all you want ,,,, its your body /your responsibility

[@eshannon922]

I would love to visit Denmark.

[@patriciacashman5553]

Fascinating. Especially for a progressive liberal American; nice to know there are other cultures out there. We are still a puritan and capitalist society; a dog eat dog world, sadly. And the extreme opposites are becoming worse and worse. I like the many party system that forces everyone to cooperate.

[@MIKE-zi9my]

@patriciacashman5553 Hello

[@deitcheyedoll]

Inspiring!

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@buskarl]

Stop that background music, I can't understand people talk.

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@dgh25]

This began so long ago. The politicians, the kindergarten teacher, the "efterskole" supervisor, etc, THEY are why this is happening. The seeds were sown in the 60ies and 70ies. Sometimes revolutions DO pay.

[@dragon723.]

When they stay non violent. Though our leaders weren't that bad historically.

[@REBECCA12341]

​@@dragon723.Suicide not allowed

[@REBECCA12341]

Tattoo not allowed

[@davidjohnstone1943]

Excellent program. I lived in Denmark for 3 years in the 1980’s. Still remember their wonderful sense of humour, I guess the only downside was the language.

[@berniestephens4506]

Ken, if only they spoke Gaelic eh!

[@steffenhenriksen6530]

Well we did try and influence you with the angles first and the danelaw second, but it seemed you were more keen on the 3 (dane-gene) invasion from Normandy. So we have tried on the language part but it didn't stick.😉

[@MichaelKaa-dx2hj]

Well if you speak scots(not gaelic or scotis english) it's half danish

[@berniestephens4506]

@@MichaelKaa-dx2hj naw it isnae

[@jandamskier6510]

did you try to learn Danish?

[@catherinejones9396]

Inspiring, and it obviously works at different stages of young people's development. A lot to think about. And regarding the working years, Marx said his theory wouldn't work , and pure socialism has its flaws too. But Denmark is doing something right with its industries and income and it seems its people have an invested interest in their country's ongoing wellbeing, their environment and their fellows.

[@Ben-jq5oo]

This excellent documentary highlights the failure of hyper capitalism and lack of a collective consciousness. If the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand were less individualistic (ie obsessed with personal wealth) they too could have a more democratic society which gives everyone, young and old, rich or poor, a better fairer quality of life.

[@Injusticeshitting]

Tribe of Dan is living it up

[@raygreen5926]

In memory of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre , July 1889, on the island of Tasinge, kingdom of Denmark 🇩🇰🥀🇩🇰

[@Windingify]

As a Dane, I would say Happiness is perhaps not the right word; whereas contentment or satisfaction in a life of security and well-being on the material level, is what we have always aimed for here. I do believe we have succeeded in those regards. And I always find it funny how people from outside think we pay enormous taxes. We really don't. What we do have, however, is great freedom of choice because of our flexible security systems.

[@knudplesner]

I'm a Dane and shocked to see how blind the politicians are everywhere and especially in England and Sweden. I lived in India in the 60s and experienced the consequences. In Denmark, we do a lot to ensure that newcomers want to assimilate to our legislation and cultural values if they want a citizenship, this does not include their faith. The politicians and bureaucrats mistakenly and short-sightedly believe that the management of development can be done with the help of Economy, i.e. the management of the limited goods, and by buying the cheapest goods and labour. That's not how reality works. The development of our industry and society is controlled through self-sufficiency, and which entails exports. The Nordic Union should only consist of trade and international affairs between sovereign countries like EFTA. The countries should have their own legislation and currency and be facilitated locally in the municipalities. Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Baltic countries, the Netherlands and others are welcome to join a Nordic Union of sovereign countries. It is probably too late for England.The USA, UK, EU and other World Powers are unfortunately going in a different direction. Trade with India, Africa and others should be initiated quickly and with mutual respect.

[@ThraxMan84]

Looks like the Danes are more healthy from all the cycling and walking everywhere. Awesome!

[@toby2138]

Cycling helmet are not worn for protection from automobiles. They are worn in case you come off the bike and crack your head, no matter how enlightened you state you are when compared to American….

[@fessorjespersen5437]

Bit of a stretch to say there was no nostalgia connected to the losses of 1864 😉

[@Tommysimonsen]

The measurement for happiness index is more about security the what mind state people are in.

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@tuenygaard8075]

and people in Copenhagen does apparantly not hit their heads, when they crash on their bicycles. If they do, no vital parts take damage evidently.

[@user-fg2og3tx9u]

Its a country one enjoys walking about and good people Danes

[@CornholioDK]

I seriously doubt we are the happiest people in the world. Not complaining, but there are many other great places in the world with warm and friendly people.

[@REBECCA12341]

Dog not allowed ect

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

It's a bit of a misleading title, if you look at the way it's measured. It should actually be named 'the most satisfied people in the world', but that doesn't sound as good.

[@CornholioDK]

@@ThisIsMyFullName We are also one of the most complaining people in the world. we have it so well, and yet we whine all day.

[@duckmcduck007]

Technically our nearest border is with Germany XD

[@SamuelHauptmannvanDam]

It's real simple. Leave the Low tier democracy of the UK and focus on getting the highest representative democracy in the world and the world is your oyster. Best from Denmark.

[@tustak]

Correction. Denmark did not control Sweden. Denmark, Norway and Sweden together part of "Kalmar Union". Just like in the European Union, Belgium does not control Denmark.

[@torlakruusgaard259]

It's a typical misconception cause they never managed to do that. The Danish king (think it was Erik 6th or 7th) was supposed to rule the Kalmar Union, but Sweden had separate ruler from 1448. In 1520 the Danish king organised a Bloodbath of the Stockholm noblemen to seize power, and the result was a short war of liberation 1521-1523, ending with the treaty of Malmo in 1524 - years might be a bit off Edit: The danish king was in fact christian 2nd

[@eivindkaisen6838]

@@torlakruusgaard259 The Danish empire was, maybe with the exception of the Danish West Indies (St Crox), dissolved by force and circumstance. Other than the dissolution of the Kalmar union. Skåne (aka East Denmark) was lost in a series of wars ending about 1670-ish. Norway was, as I'm sure you know, lost because Napoleon lost and Sweden wanted compensation for losing Finland. (Although, if you saw DR's History of Denmark, Norway hardly appears at all there with the exceptiopn of mentioning that Holberg was born in Norway, and that Norway was lost in 1814). Iceland was "lost" mainly because the Icelander exploited the fact in 1944 that Denmark was occupied by Germany, and they were controlled by the UK and US, and declared independence. The Faroes' strong local parliament is described in Riddoch's film about them.

[@skumflum3768]

Rose colored glasses! There’s a lot of problems

[@jandamskier6510]

Ja, men din proportionssans!

[@Shaeith]

Careful not to glamorize - Denmark isn’t perfect.. The taxes are too high on those who have the least, and a lot of big companies and international corporations don’t pay as much as they ought to in comparison. There are definitely some things with regard to the tax system that could do with some fair tweaking but… Yeah, I do think we’re doing quite alright. It is the best economy by a stretch in the Nordics for a reason and we are definitely very society-oriented and not too self serving. I think being content is also a better word than happiness. Nice, cute documentary though. :) PS: We could learn something from the Scots, English, Welsh and Irish too though.. Longer debate but, I wish things weren’t so overly focused on efficiency and practicality here that it costs us our aesthetics. 😅

[@miriam8103]

Excuse me, there are many pubs in Skive.😂

[@REBECCA12341]

Suicide not allowed

[@stevelam5898]

Yes, with Hamzi Humza as FM, this is where you are heading, Scotland. 🙃

[@berniestephens4506]

Islamic republic of Scotland, can’t wait! 🤗

[@threesixnine369six]

@@berniestephens4506 don’t wait, you probably won’t even live to see Scotland have a 30% Muslim population. Glasgow has the most (of the relatively few) Muslims in Scotland and it’s still far from any English city. Also the overall trend for Britain is growingly irreligious, and even within the Muslim population there is a still timid but growing number of people who become non-practicing, secular or nonbelievers. Scotland was an epicentre of enlightenment and its legacy permeates to this day. It’s fair to be concerned by the idea of a conservative ideology potentially eroding long established secular principles, but the fear mongering is just not very realistic. It’s actually more likely for the Christofascists to destroy Western secularism and freedom before the Islamofascists get there.

[@berniestephens4506]

@@threesixnine369six true…it’s not like the leader of Scotland is a practicing Muslim, opening up mosques around the country and inviting Middle Eastern Muslim refugees to Scotland to be looked after in already crowded underfunded Scottish hospitals…oh wait…he is…😂

[@threesixnine369six]

@@berniestephens4506 last time I checked, Scotland was neither independent nor an absolute monarchy. I don’t understand how you get these ideas that the FM of Scotland has free rein. The mosques that have opened in the last few years have opened because the Muslim population has grown and had to resort to inadequate spaces for a long time. But again, we’re talking about far lower numbers than the ones in your seemingly warped perception of reality. The funny thing is that I dislike Islam and Christianity equally. I just don’t start panicking and hating simply because they exist. I know when the threat is real and my freedom is in danger. Here’s a fun thought though, I mean look, Islamisation, if real, would take too long, you wouldn’t get to see it happen in your lifetime, presumably you’re in your 40s or 50s. But what you might get to see is TENS or HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of people on the move due to more frequent catastrophic weather events. Not a lightweight 1.5 million of Syrians headed towards Europe, but more like 150 million Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, etc. And that could be 20-30 years away 😜

[@stevelam5898]

@@threesixnine369six They use to be in low numbers in London as well.. Scotland is just lagging on the demographic curb. You may dislike Christianity or any religion all you want, the fact is, all European societies and their values have heavily been influenced by Christianity. And Islam is a shift away from those values beyond of what you can imagine.

[@islanddev4893]

The Danish Happiness (overall) is because its relatively easy to most people to get a decent life and even if you are unemployed, retired or sick. Single parents have easier life, good childcare, free school and whatnot.. so all in all, a lot easier life for the majority, but not so easy to get super rich..

[@merlevandeventer8481]

My stepdad, Jørgen Jørgensen, was trained as a carpenter, brought out to South Africa by the Anglo American Corporation. He worked in the Free State Goldfields in late 1940's to 1950's. He won trophies for cycling and his father was an landscape painter in Denmark. My son works and lives in Denmark with his family. I have studied Danish since 2020. Praying for the very, very important National Elections in South Africa on 29 May, 2024! May the whole world learn the Danish recipe...one nation, one mother tongue language, plus fluency in English, same values, respect and inter action with others fostered early, reward hard work, responsible government that spends the taxes to benefit its citizens, applies the law and encourages innovation... God bless, Merle.

[@user-nl4df1yh7h]

Backsound music is so louder than voice..! 😅

[@louistan7560]

What is "happiness"? How long does it last? Seconds, minutes, hours, days? It is like the morning dew. Evaporates quickly. Are the "poor" of the world, "poor" as compared with the better developed countries, "unhappy". They take life as it comes. Therefore, what is "happiness".

[@ktheodor3968]

There are plenty of Americans in states like Texas, who if they had to pay Danish levels of taxation they'd think this is communism and oppressive statism. Can't say I agree at all with this 'American' assessment, but just goes to show how very differently things can be seen by different people.

[@prabhakar3725]

When you have less population and more natural resources then happiness comes by default.Challange will come when you Denmark could feed billion of people .

[@PalleRasmussen]

You forgot the largest company in Europe; Novo Nordisk.

[@dragon723.]

Only paid 1.2 billion dollars in taxes in 2023. Its been getting a lot of well deserved attention, but its not holding up the danish state. Not yet at least :)

[@Destinavigator]

❤️ YOOOO! Nice video!!! I’m a Small Struggling Travel Channel and you really inspire me to make better content 😌 Thank you!

[@user-mp1pz3xc5i]

❤❤❤❤❤Love this country❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Rigshospitalet]

The housing prices are exploding in Copenhagen

[@jakobnielsen9165]

Like they do in any capital around the world

[@SimonRaahauge1973]

not here in nakskov, far away from copenhagen.....😇

[@jakobnielsen9165]

@@SimonRaahauge1973 Nakskov is not the capital.

[@eivindkaisen6838]

To be fair, of all the democratic voting systems, the First Past The Post System is the LEAST democratic one.

[@vrenak]

And the americans found a loophole to make even that less democratic still.

[@shvait]

Do not confuse being Content with being Happy. No doubt it is one of the richer countries, has welfare state like policy and high taxes. But it also has some of the highest per capita antidepressant consumption in the world.

[@syedali-kr1fj]

ঢাকা শহরে বা বাংলাদেশে যানবাহনের সংখ্যা যত বেশী বাড়তে থাকবে গরমের উপদ্রবও ততো বেশী বাড়তে থাকবে। বাংলাদেশের ১৮ কোটি মানুষের মধ্যে শতকরা ৮০ ভাগ ( ৮০%) মানুষের প্রাইভেট গাড়ী কেনার সামর্থ নাই। তারা public transport এর ওপর নির্ভরশীল। কিন্তু এই ৮০% জনগণ গাড়ী মালিকদের কারণে বিভিন্ন সমস্যার সম্মুখীন হন। দেশে এত বেশী গরম হবার অন্যতমো কারণ হচ্ছে অতিরিক্ত যানবাহন। এই অতিরিক্ত যানবাহন গুলো জেনারেট করছে অতিরিক্ত heat. ঢাকাশহর থেকে সব প্রাইভেট গাড়ী তুলে ফেলা উচিৎ। সাধারণ জনগণের জন্য থাকা উচিৎ উন্নত মানের পাবলিক বাস ( AC bus ) , মেট্রো রেল, mono rail , water taxi / bus , tram etc . ঢাকা শহরে যদি প্রাইভেট car না থাকতো , শুধু থাকতো metro rail , উন্নত মানের বাস , উন্নত মানের ট্যাক্সি , water transport everywhere তবে জনগণের জীবন কত আরামের হতো ! সব সময় মনে রাখবেন যানবাহনের সংখ্যা যত বাড়তে থাকবে, এক্সিডেন্ট এর সংখ্যাও ততো বেশী বাড়তে থাকবে। বাংলদেশে গাড়ী উৎপাদন হতে যাচ্ছে শুনে দেশের মানুষ খুশীতে আত্মহারা কিন্তু দেশে গাড়ী তৈরী হলে দেশ রাস্তার ট্রাফিক জ্যাম কি কমবে? যে লাও , সেই কদু। নতুন নতুন যে সব রাস্তা বানানো হচ্ছে সে গুলো আবার গাড়ীতে ভোরে যাবে। বর্তমান গাড়ীর সংখ্যা ১০ স্কয়ারে কিলোমিটারে যতখানি বায়ু দূষিত করছে , দেশে গাড়ীর কারখানা হলে তার দ্বিগুনেরও বেশী বায়ু দূষিত করবে। ঢাকায় বা বাংলাদেশে যত গুলো নতুন নতুন ( ৩০০ feet রাস্তার মতন ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqSkf5qXatFgqc0 রাস্তা হচ্ছে সব গুলো রাস্তার নিচে ওয়াটার ওয়ে (water-way ) করা উচিৎ। উপরে চলবে bus ,truck এবং গাড়ী আর নিচে চলবে প্যারালাল ভাবে water bus / water taxi. এভাবে যদি বেশীরভাগ নতুন রাস্তা গুলো elevated বানানো হয় তবে আগামী ২০০ বছরেও রাস্তায় ট্রাফিক যান-জোট এর সম্ভাবনা থাকবে না। এতে করে কোনো দিন বাংলাদেশে আর বন্যা হবে না। এলেভেটেড ওয়ে তে বৃষ্টির পানিও জমবে না। বৃষ্টির পানি নিচে lake এ চলে যাবে। যখন শহরের ভিতর চারিদিকে এমন lake থাকবে তখন দেশে মাছের কোনো অভাব থাকবে না। প্রতিটা lake এই মাছের পোনা ছাড়া হবে। খালের দু-ধারে যদি শুধু উন্নত মানের আম , লিচু , জলপাই, আভোকাডো ইত্যাদি ফলের গাছ লাগানো হয় তবে অদ্ভুত সুন্দর লাগবে দেখতে, আর এই ফলের গাছ থেকে দেশবাসী পাবে অফুরন্ত ফল। ফুল গাছ এই গরিব দেশের মানুষের কোনো কাজে আসবে না। খালের দু'ধার বাধিয়ে দেয়া হবে mangrove shrub / trees দিয়ে। এতে করে ২ পার সবুজে ভরে যাবে এবং সিমেন্ট এর block বানানোর টাকা বেঁচে যাবে। আর এই elevated wayর পিলার গুলো বসবে দুই পাশে যে land থাকবে সেখানে। elevated wayর নিচে সরা -সরি কোনো পিলার বসবে না। waterway তে কোনো রকম বাধা থাকবে না। * আপনারা যারা বাংলাদেশকে সত্যিকার ভালোবাসেন তাদের উচিত সরকারের ভুল গুলো ক্ষতিয়ে দেখা। আপনারা যদি সরকারের ভুল চোখে আঙ্গুল দিয়ে দেখিয়ে না দেন তবে সরকার ভুল করেই যাবে আর এই ভুলের মাশুল দিয়ে যাবে সাধারণ জনগণ জেনারেশন পর জেনারেশন ধরে। আপনাদের সন্তান এবং তাদের পরবর্তী জেনারেশন ভুক্তভোগী হবে। সরকার যেই ভুল গুলো করছে এই ভুল গুলো পরবর্তীতে আর কোনো দিন undo করে নতুন করে করা সম্ভব হবে না। The Bangladesh you've created today it's the result of your thinking ... you CAN NOT change this country without changing your thinking!

[@amelittaberretta9109]

Could I move to Denmark ad a Senior?

[@debbiek7193]

TOO MANY YT ADS. EDIT BEFORE UPLOADING

[@10minuteahoban]

I am form Bangladesh. I want to visit Demark. But i haven’t enough mony/ dolar 😢

[@LarsPallesen]

I wonder what 'a conventional cyclist' is? In Denmark it's just anybody on a bike.

[@vrenak]

For them it's someone on a bike purely for exercise, meaning they're going from A to A, whereas we and the dutch, the Germans, and a lot of asians and some others go from A to B, B to C, C to A And going from A to A is quite rare.

[@dgh25]

The United States of Scandinavia is the BEST idea ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@eivindkaisen6838]

Sorry, we've tried various permutations of that - didn't work. But the contries do cooperate: there was a "passport union" between the Nordic countries way before the EU [ie passort free travel, free movement of people to work and live, and to use your own language when contaction public services]. The airforces just entered into a deal with a common air space control and airforce coordination, made easier with Sweden and Finland joining NATO.