Why Are The Nordic Countries So Happy?

According to the World Happiness Report, the nordic countries including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, & Sweden consistently rank highest in the world in terms of happiness. Why is this the case? In this video I take a detailed look at the report to determine the cause and see what the rest of the world can learn from the nordic way of life.

[@kurtiswiebe8192]

This was my first winter in Sweden. I now fully understand every Swede who stops and stares to a Spring sun, like strange human flowers. I have become one of them.

[@christianjuntunen5941]

Wait until april, then you will see the swedes go bananas when the weather is nice (even if we have a pandemic)..

[@Therran91]

HAHA, this made me laugh so much 😅👌🏻 Soon the outdoor picknicks start.

[@kurtiswiebe8192]

@@christianjuntunen5941 I've experienced that as well! I moved to Stockholm last February and skipped most of the winter. You must experience the endless dark to fully understand the solar batteries that are Swedes.

[@AshleyZieman]

Welcome to the gang human flower 😂

[@kurtiswiebe8192]

@@AshleyZieman tack så mycket!

[@irenakozmos7373]

You are a perfect example of what happens when people travel, with an open mind and an open heart, willing to get educated along the way. We can all learn from each other. I love your work, you are doing such a great job!

[@beverlyrose9095]

*No 1: Don't Only Hope On Government's Responds On security Matter's And Economy growth,* *No 2: As An Individual You Should Be Safeguarded And Also Look For Different Self Business And Trade Not Only Waiting on Betterment of Stock market activities,* *No 3: Most Important Always Save The Little You Can And Think Of What To Do With It When It Become Good For Capital.* *Because Government Have Failed Us In Aspect Of Security, Economics Activities And Other Trading Systems*

[@leonardstone9013]

I have always believe in Stock market and other Economics activities but Is really unfair that 2020 trading and stock market is just difficult and unbelievable which is too bad now i rather invest my money only on bitcion and gain more profit in return

[@fedecdelivery5824]

Yes sure Bitcoin trade is great unlike the stock market and other financial market Bitcoin has no centralized location since it operates 24hour's in different parts of the world

[@aliexpressfashionhome8220]

After a successful investment you have nothing to worry about whether the rise and fall of economy or anything won't affect you make your future brighter by making good investment

[@judgekingsley5409]

Exactly that's true if you have a good investor you have nothing to Worry about

[@nancyyyxoxo]

Wow, selflessness, trust, and a society that cares about other people’s well-being, imagine that

[@kk440635NORWAY]

Even the goverment are good, you can not trust other people more or less than anywhere else. I only trust Norwegians I know well, like anywhere else... and there are good and bad people everywhere, Norway is not a except bad people. And like everywhere else, its criminality here as well. I have been bullied and abused by Norwegians in Norway, and I am a norwegian my self.... and its also much rasism in Norway. I think many have a utopia image of Norway and Norwegians. But most of them change that image after moving here to live here 🤣... but yeah, it is good system compared to many countries. But Impersonally dont believe that money and wellfare system is the key to happiness. So I dont think I am spesific lucky for being born and raised here, and have citizenship here. Because I dont see how one can belive that people are lucky just for this things. What makes a good life, is family and friends and co-workers, not goverments or money

[@mikaveekoo]

@@kk440635NORWAY Here in Finland we have high trust to government. But in Norway you can trust only to your family, friends and co-workers...so sad.

[@kk440635NORWAY]

@@mikaveekoo well where ever I go in the world, I choose to trust only people close to me, because I’v been hurt so many times in life. It has nothing to do with the goverment, but no one’s perfect, but yes, nordic political system is better than many other countries

[@linnig4759]

@@kk440635NORWAY You shall definetly be thankful for being born in Norway/the Nordics. Do you know how many ppl around the world that would cut their left hand off to become a Nordic citizen? Maybe you don´t understand how important it is to just have free healthcare. I discussed with an American (middleclass) once and he told me about the constant stress about if someone is his family would get sick and what could happen with their economy if so. He got kids that wanna go to college in future but if his wife gets breast cancer then maybe there´s no room for college education and maybe they have to sell the house? Constant stress over stuff we in the Nordics take for granted. Here we also got paid vacation 5-6weeks a year (Sweden), in U.S they get 1-2 weeks if they are lucky. In many countries you can be happy if you have one day a week free and 14-18 hours of work 6 days a week.. You should definetly revalue your Norwegian citizenship. You know that in your whole life, whatever happens, you will have roof over your head and food on the table. You can educate yourself to whatever you want, only your own lack of interest or intelligence stops you. You have the freedom to be whomever you wanna be without getting locked up. Look around the world, most ppl are poor and live in dictatorship countries at some form. You are one of the lucky ones! But Nordic teenagers should go with school one week to Afghanistan in 7th grade or something and live in an Afghan family and learn about their society, visit a prison and a public place where you hang and stone innocent ppl that committed "marriage crimes" or said something that could go as criticism of the gov. Maybe that would make Nordic teens happy for what they got and be thankful for a free education. When you have everything you need you often go blind for how the majority of world citizens live their lifes. Love from Sweden

[@camlar007]

Swedes are NOT selfless. It is a very selfish culture.

[@flisan4385]

Too stressed to work is usually called "Gå in i väggen" or "hitting a wall", and is when you are overworked and stressed that you get depressed, it's also called utmattningssyndrom.

[@StefanThyron]

Yea, I've definitely heard the expression hitting the wall before!

[@flisan4385]

And if you are really down on your luck one usually says "Han gick inte bara in i väggen, han sprang". And that's when you know it's bad.

[@field5758]

@@flisan4385 Ouch

[@bertil3887]

@@flisan4385 pushing yourself so hard that you get sick of it is kinda stupid and immature i know that doesn't include most of the people that get sick but from what i've heard and read that seems to be the main reason, it's just sad

[@flisan4385]

@@bertil3887 yeah. I would say swedish ppl are very accommodating and do more than they are required too. Always wants to be on their best behavior and show the best side of everything which, sometimes is to much. So they over work themselves.

[@neyvonswe]

Born in Sweden but I moved to Norway two years ago. Similar in many ways to Sweden but I do feel like my savings grow a lot faster over here. I work in the same line of work (entry level, industry) but fewer hours and a more relaxed workload. I still rent my apartment, but in a year I can probably buy my own house. Both countries do provide a lot of doors for you to be happy and content.

[@n.sadequi4381]

Whats your profession ? Do u think i can work there as a german security worker?

[@Aluzard]

Im as happy during the summer as in the winter time here in sweden, weather does not really effect me as much, I find beauty in all of it.

[@Enterialise]

Me too! Or more that I feel like shit all year round 😆 But thats not the weather's fault The seasons are rather something that gives me joy. Love them all and look forward to all the differences and there are many things in every season that make my life happier. Can't imagine living where it's (for example) just summer all the time .. you miss nature's fantastic cycle completely then 🌍

[@Aluzard]

@@Enterialise Agreed I allways thought Im blessed to be able to live where we can have all of it, insteed of just allways one season forever. I would not wana dream about waking up for the 4000thousand day and go O look what a supprise its the same as every other day more or less :P

[@Enterialise]

@@Aluzard Exactly. It sounds boring to my ears. There are also negative things with the seasons for me, like 'slask' in the winter (I want dry freezingcold with lots of snow) and the high heat in the summer. (high heat makes me feel like shit, + 23 ° with sun is enough) But it's worth it!

[@Aluzard]

@@Enterialise Got to take the good with the bad =D

[@rayliegons4911]

Me too i Love when you wake up and hear the sound of rain or you see the glistining sun after a could winter or the magnificent sight of white snow alll over or a snowstorm or you see every tree with a orange yellow red color on the leaves and say ooo jävlar det har blivit höst

[@sarahmusta]

My personal story on this: I had really difficult pregnancy and birth, ending up on surgery and other team of doctors waiting for mine to rule if my newborn would need surgery as well (she didn't). After intense care for me and my child for a week we got a year of rehab. After 3 years we are both on perfect shape, only thing I ever paid was that average hospital day that is something like 15€/day. So taxes save lives basically.

[@Musicbypinge]

I am a Swedish citizen living in Stockholm. I have a high dose of hemofilia since birth and for 2000 kronor a year(200eu) i get an endless supply of medicin for it. I have also had 3 surgeries the last 2 years that was caused because of my hemofilia, that have never cost me a dime. I could basically almost live nowhere else in the world than in the nordic countries. I am so greatefull for it.

[@juliamorales6620]

I understand what you're saying and agree with you. I'm from one of the poorest countries in the American hemisphere and have seen much suffering due to people's lack of resources. We could not trust government because we have seen what they do when they see money. They put it in their pocket and leave the country to enjoy it outside. Right now Mexico has a socialist gov and

[@juliamorales6620]

It seems that he is doing better for the people.

[@sapphireblue222]

I am an American citizen living in the state of Michigan. I have heart problems and 7 years ago I had a quadruple bypass surgery. Everything was paid for by the US government. I get everything I need for no cost whatsoever.

[@ojda405]

You just earned my respect for bringing up the trans example. I know how that can be social suicide in some online communities, but you've really built a nice and friendly community here on youtube.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

Same.

[@sharonoddlyenough]

Trans rights!

[@newsfrombeyond6160]

I think the "happines" in Nordic countries has a lot to do with the feeling of security: the social security system is also called for "safety net". It is a kind of travel insurance for one's journey throught life. If you have an insurance you pay relatively low fee, but if really bad things happen to you, you benefit greatly from the fact that so many people pay the fee. This feeling of security comes from the knowledge that if i "fall", the security net will catch me. I don't need to worry about starving to death or becoming homeless. And if I became ill, I will get the care I need. It is kind of beeig so rich that you don't have to worry about tomorrow without actually being a millionaire. One more aspect that influence the feeling of safety is the low rate of criminality, which is achieved by preventive social work and rehabilitation work for prisoners. And by the way Stefan, if you work as a teacher in Sweden you get a lot more from Swedish tax payers that you pay to them, since your salary is paid fromthe tax revenue, totally if you work in a public school and to a big part if you work in a private school. :-)

[@agustinsd3321]

This! Having lived and worked in both the US and Norway, I know how important having a “safety net” is to overall life satisfaction and feeling of economic security. Most Americans, unbeknownst to a lot of them, live with a constant subconscious fear of not being able to pay their rent/mortgage, losing their job, becoming ill and so forth, knowing that if that happens they risk, in worst-case, homelessness, bankruptcy etc. Not having this fear gnawing in the back of your head makes for a more worry-free existence and unsurprisingly, contributes to your overall happiness.

[@larswilhelms1]

@@agustinsd3321 Sorry this is coming out of nowhere without any context. so Ive seen so many youtube video from vloggers and such having to deal with this fear as in f.ex driving a motorcycle you get hit/crash break some bones here and there and STILL i see these americans saying no to help, begging people not to call the ambulance because of the fear of the high bill. this is just crazy. people is actually willing/or having to heal naturally and getting long term problems because they cant handle the bill.. this is just unethecial towards the human being and I feel so sorry for these people. this example mabey is going towards the lower "rank" of peoples economic end income from these, im not sure. But its like Agustin says this fear of loosing your life due to an accident or some cancer or whatever may be. on the other side I can understand this free independtent side of americans and those who do great are doing really good/great in any terms of safety and economics as they can afford insurances and alot more etc but I do believe this is just a minor percentage of the whole amount of citizen.. im not sure what percentage this is from the average citizen but I see this happen all the time that people is not willing to get medical help because of bills... its hard to fathom really. its nice being able to become filthy rich if you are one of those few, but it doesnt seem like a proper community going on over there in the states and teamwork is not a thing. everybody is on theyr own.

[@hpdestroyer7187]

Ugh the more I learn about Sweden the more it just makes sense when compared to the US, I can’t wait until I finish school and can move!

[@mockupguy3577]

Welcome

[@martinostlund1879]

You are wellcome!

[@BossGokaiGreen]

HI FRIENDSHIPS 🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@AVIANCEMILAN]

Just know the health care system in Sweden sucks. FYI 🤷‍♂️

[@AshleyZieman]

@@AVIANCEMILAN 😂

[@Jonsson474]

Wow! I think this is your best video yet. Excellent research and very well though through from start to finish.

[@StefanThyron]

This one took a lot of work so I am glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@Jonsson474]

@@StefanThyron I can tell this is a subject that interests you.

[@tovep9573]

I love winters. Especially if they are cold and snowy. You can sleep properly with no sunlight at night and it's ok to sit indoors with a book and a cup of tea all calm and cosy. Summertime is too often either too hot or too rainy and you never get enough sleep.

[@Daily_Questions820]

^^ truee

[@michellee7465]

Taxes maybe higher than in America, but they pay for so much which help society as a whole. I will never understand why so many American’s don’t understand if you pay for health care for another (via your taxes), others pay for yours too, it’s a win-win situation. 😀

[@andersmalmgren6528]

Our model is only good if you are unemployed or have low income. Actually our model is the worst if you make a decent amount of money. There is roof on all welfare benefits so we need to have private insurances but at the same time we pay more tax becasue of our progressive tax system. And please don't get me started on Swedish medcare, it's modelled around "Ingen ska med" rather than "Alla ska med"

[@frida507]

@@andersmalmgren6528 You still get the heavily subsidized healthcare, free education and all that. You don't have to pay a private health insurance or save for your kids college. Americans pay A LOT for those things. Also there is a cost of inequality for the rich as well. In countries with a lot of inequality rich people are more afraid of poor people. Living in gated communities and behind high fences. In Sweden there is less stress in that way. There are other values in life than the amount on your account (which plays a role, not saying it's not important as well) like feeling safe and being able to move around more freely.

[@andersmalmgren6528]

@@frida507 if you don't have a private insurance in sweden there is a high chance you will die before they find your cancer. (and even with a private insurance there is a big risk, that's how bad Swedish health care is at finding these kind of illnesses). I pay way more to landstinget than I would with a private insurance in the States. You can get a very good family insurance that covers your entire family for under 10k SEK a month. I pay more than that to landstinget alone not including my wifes tax. Anyway I still think us health care is not ideal. We should adopt Dutch model. There are roof on everything VAB, sick leave, state pension, not a single welfare benefit is actually benefitial for a high income person

[@andersmalmgren6528]

@@bolanren1931 welcome to Sweden where everybody is brain washed

[@jeppebira7533]

@@andersmalmgren6528 I gladly pay for other peoples happiness. Taking my children to the doctor, dentist and optician for my tax money, and knowing that all children have the same opportunities is a no brainer to me.

[@hedviglinnea]

Moved from sweden to Åland in Finland and feel like everything runs even smoother here. I can see a doctor when ever I want, people dont lock their doors, cars or bikes as much here, and it makes the papers when there is a lot of shop lifting kids or many boat motors getting stolen. When i go to the dentist or the hospital no one seams stressed out, i feel like they have time for me. And this even tho Åland has the lowest taxes is Finland. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that there is not as many people beeing unemployed(before covid hit, there are many jobs depending on turist from Sweden who can't come here now), the Åland islands is a place where many people have really good economy, and people seems more well functioning on there own and not as dependent on the sociaö system. There are a high level of people driving there own companys. Here i belive it has alot to do with the fact that Åland is an island and more or less everybody knows eachother. It's a mix between the Finish ways and the Swedish ways, and I find it extremly well functioning.

[@tiago8828]

Strongly agree! But happiness is a very subjective word. I normally tend to call it Life Satisfaction 👌🏼 Älskar Sverige 🇸🇪 Love your videos! Please keep doing it!

[@frida507]

Agree, and the results will depend on how you define and measure it. I'm not convinced that we in the Nordics are like "dancing in the streets"- happy compared to other countries. "Life satisfaction" like you suggest sounds good. Seems like some of the factors is more that there is less of some stressful factors. I don't believe we smile and laugh more or are better at enjoying the moments.

[@BossGokaiGreen]

HI FRIENDSHIPS 🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@kahve7105]

I absolutely love Sweden and I have learned so much from you. Your channel is amazing💛

[@StefanThyron]

Thank you so much that's always nice to hear 🙏 and congrats on the first comment ;)

[@field5758]

I agree

[@BossGokaiGreen]

HI FRIENDSHIPS 🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@kahve7105]

@@BossGokaiGreen hi🇹🇷❤️

[@BossGokaiGreen]

@@kahve7105 HI FRIENDSHIP TURKEY 🦃🇹🇷❤️🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@kobrapelle]

If You survive November to February you are of Viking material. We who are see to it that we have interesting projects for that period, like building a custom motorcycle etc. That´s why so many Swiidiish guys have a bigger garage than house. Or inventing a new app or a new whatever, winter time is when the innovations gets born.

[@AmongRocks]

The motto for Luleå University of Technology is "ideas grow better below zero". They agree with you.

[@kobrapelle]

@@AmongRocks cool guys up there in Luleå

[@mjor6406]

Come to Canada and see what real cold is.

[@kobrapelle]

@@mjor6406 we have cold, but the main thing is the darkness.

[@mjor6406]

@@kobrapelle Canada is much colder than Sweden on average- we just had -30c to -40c for several weeks. Since most of Canadians live close to the US border, yes more daylights but the northern cities and towns in Canada are pretty similar to Sweden in terms of day light. Edmonton is pretty similar in Latitude to Stockholm.

[@jakkc2804]

I’m that one Swede that miss the snow from the day it melts until it comes back and am in fact, considering my options to live with colder weather and shorter days without completely separating myself from family and friends - it proves to be difficult. But I’m also someone that relies on the Swedish health care and can’t imagine living without it. Which makes me feel both spoiled and grateful. Then that I can have whatever gender and sexuality and still have the law on my side here. I’ve felt mistreated by Sweden itself many times, I can’t lie about that. But I feel like it has a lot to do with lack of professionalism. In short - Sweden has things to improve but does great in comparison to other countries. And I’m happy that I have all the privileges that I have living in Sweden and do feel that happiness wholeheartedly. The weather is just a personal quirk I have to deal with. 乁( •_• )ㄏ

[@beorlingo]

I find it commendable this objective approach of yours even if at times suffering subjectively. It sort of sums up what we all experience/what we need to do.

[@Julia-ls9qc]

Think it would might have been good if you could've explained the situation about the woman who "got stressed" a bit further. I know your'e coming from good intentions so don't worry about that. But the way you're explaining it is a lil bit demeaning, as if she was just a lil stressed and got time off of work "to spend some time for herself". As if it was some sort of payed vacation. This coming from me who has now been in a burn out for two years and still not back on the track. It's so very real. And the people who often get in this position in life is among the people who are super high achievers and diligent workers. There´s such a huge stigma surrounding mental health issues as if it's not counting as much as physical diseases. This would might be a great topic for one of your next videos :)? to invite someone who's been in a burn out or have carried alot of depression in their days to tell more about it and the health care system in Sweden! Sry bout the long message. Just feel the need to advocate when it comes to mental health. It's so important it doesn't get misunderstood by people thinking someone is lazy for having to go on sick leave for these things. :)

[@hoffan1684]

Very well said, totally agree 👌🏼

[@HEJtoss]

Superbra skrivet Julia! Har själv varit sjuk i 2 år och har precis börjat plugga 50%

[@77MariaB]

I have burnout myself, but I don't see it as a mental illness. The nervous system broke down due to to much stress, now it's stuck the wrong signaling.

[@Julia-ls9qc]

@@77MariaB finns ju olika grad av utmattningssyndrom men många gånger leder det ju också till depression. Den extrema stressen påverkar nervsystemet i hjärnan, och det betyder ju att det är psyket om blir påverkat och är ju därför en psykisk sjukdom som i sin tur påverkar kroppen. Sen är ju psykisk ohälsa heller inte något som alltid är statiskt beroende på diagnos. Precis som vissa kan ha kronisk depression men andra bara upplever de någon gång/några gånger i livet! så jag ser det iaf inte som något annat än psykisk ohälsa :)

[@SwedishTourist]

I actually agree here. I think Stefan could have made a little more research on this. It’s demeaning. I also think the word ”burnout” is sometimes used as a way of describing general stress and low energy. But we’re talking about the real thing, here. The diagnosed one, the only one there is. I think it’s also called fatique syndrome. And even in mild cases, it is actually harmful to the brain. It’s a result of long periods of constant stress, where the brain becomes weaker and weaker, until the breaking point where you just can’t function anymore. It’s often a result of a hectic working environment with deadlines and oftentimes there is an unempathetic boss involved (just generalising here), and a very busy day-to-day-life such as taking care of the whole family and maybe being there for your friends without taking care of your own mind and relax in between. And probably more. People who burn out are also usually of the very ambitious and diligent kind. It is quite untasteful to say that you get a ”stress leave” and being giddy and fun about how weird it sounds. It’s not a stress leave, it’s a doctors diagnosis, something that damages the brain and mental health. When your brain is put under pressure for a long time, you are always in a fight-or-flight-mode (ever heard of the HPA-axis? The hypothalamus releases corticotropin, and so the pituitary gland responds by releasing yet another hormone, which in turn makes the adrenal glands produce adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol). When this system is triggered too often, it becomes more easily triggered, and therefore it’s only getting worse and worse... yeah, that takes a toll on you. What it does to you, is making you respond to even the smallest of problems with a racing heart, more stress, irritation, dizziness, need for rest, etc etc. Going too long without enough breaks, and you slowly break your brain down. That’s when it gets real bad. Need of sleep all the time, but no matter how much you sleep, you’re always tired. Irritation, concentration is useless, memory loss, hard to follow discussion, an acute need for sleep after only short periods of doing something. Then recovery. Oh god. That’s almost where the symptoms set in even more. Especially in the beginning of course. An hour of talking to a friend would send many people who was just diagnosed to bed for 12hrs. And it’s not a good feeling either. You just don’t have the energy. Literal nausea, for some. Discussions are harder to follow. Of course it gets better and you can function again after rest and therapy, but you have to learn how to live your life differently, and you will always be more susceptible to burnout from now on. Also many symptoms seem to never really go away completely. In some milder cases cases the brain repairs itself, but many people realise that their symptoms such as lack of concentration and fatigue, continues for many years after, maybe for life. This is not what people intend to do, or what they want to do. The only thing they try to do is be good, do great, while pushing out results at work. Coming back from a burnout is honestly not even easy in mild cases. It’s a fucking mess.

[@vandinhtran9510]

Totally agree with you. Thanks for having mentionned your source (the World Happiness Report) and having analyze the factors adding your personal insights and experience.

[@fr.jpheath677]

Thanks Stefan, I have been enjoying your channel. I to have come to Sweden for work, and find it interesting to see how you process and share. I live more rurally, and it seems city life is different! I love it here as well.

[@cbeary2000]

Awesome video Stefan. I'm a New Orleans dude, and i know first hand whats its like to live in a city full of amazing people that are overwhelmed with poverty and corruption. Keep up the good work homie.

[@velmad3091]

I am happy most of the time. If I have a bad day I watch something that makes me laugh or listening to music. Allt är ordning och reda här. Det gillar jag.😁😁😁Great video Stefan🌞❤️

[@julianaFinn]

As a child in Finland, my mother had no qualms leaving me in a department store alone while she shopped. Same with playing outside. Here in Australia I would not allow my 7yo to run around the store alone. Never. The difference is palpable, and the crime rate reflects that. We just trust more in Finland and it appears to work, largely. The free education and healthcare is a huge factor. Health is free in Australia also, but education is not, even in public schools as books, and uniform and other fees are snuck in there. Also transport. I took the train to school alone as a 7 yo in Finland.

[@roger7900]

Great video Stefan. Very well research and great analysis!!

[@freemangriffin4953]

Loved this video! The report on happiness put into words things that I know to be true but didn't quite know how to articulate it. I stumbled on this youtube channel and truly love it!!!!!!

[@thabstract0ne]

Dude...your video content has been 🔥🔥🔥 for at least the past few months! Your channel has really matured...keep it up!

[@meltayy]

Lovely video ! Could you please once talk about Melofest and / or Eurovision ? 🎈

[@nomad1517]

I remember seeing a military recruitiment add for the military, either Norway or Sweden. Instead of playing heavy metal, showing pictures of badass navy seals just running around in swamps with their guns and looking cool. They showed footage of people actually getting injured, needing medical attention, saving their buddies lives, and actually promoting defense and a way to make a difference. Doesn't surprise me.

[@77MariaB]

I like your videos, mostly to learn about America and understand why they think so differently. I love the nordic countries, being an Icelander, that grew up in Sweden, studied in Denmark and currently living in Norway.

[@movableadam6724]

Wow! Hur många språk pratar du?

[@77MariaB]

@@movableadam6724 fem. 😃

[@craigsmith4105]

Stefan, you are so good at this. I've been a fan for some time now and admire your skill and intelligence. Thank you

[@StefanThyron]

Wow, thank you! Much appreciated

[@747070]

Really interesting video! Love these pod-kind-videos :)

[@steveh46]

Stefan, thank you. This is a fantastic video where you used solid data to support your views.

[@hurmur9528]

Good research for this video. Great work Thyron. Regarding weather we have the SAD (seasonal affective disorder) that some people have problem with. I find US very depressing when everybody always says I do not want to pay for that. I find it weird that they do not get that how everything is connected.

[@MelussinasSong]

Sadly there's many selfish people

[@DikWhite]

Very well researched and presented.

[@allanwielund9545]

I think you´re a great interpreter of nordic society and mentality, with your research, insight and personal experiences/perspective. Almost an ambassador. And not just in this video.

[@jamesl9371]

Great video! I think it’s a very important topic. And every country should be interested in following the policies that make a better happier life for everyone. It just makes sense. And I think it makes economic sense also

[@vstm3950]

Started watching your vids lately as Im working temporarily in Sweden and im impressed how well spoken they are avoiding (popular these days) vulgar language. Hats down to you sir. Cheers from Polak

[@kirstenwunderlich4836]

My first visit to Sweden was in the winter, and it bothered me so much less than winter here in the US. I'm in New Hampshire, so we are used to winter, but in a car culture it's difficult to get outside and be active unless you can afford to go skiing. We have no public transportation anywhere near me, so if I have to go anywhere, it's in my car. As far as taxes, I think Swedes and Scandinavians in general are happier to pay them because they see the value in society. Here in the US, if taxes go up we don't see the added value that relates to it, so people in general are resistant to it. In NH we don't have sales tax or state income tax, so nearly everything is paid for with property taxes. Of course no one wants property taxes to go up, especially since it largely pays for schools and those who don't have children in the school system really don't see the value. It's such a contentious issue here. I've been to Sweden a number of times now and from my first visit, things just made sense over there. I wish there was a way I could move there.

[@tjchillystyle]

Very informative! I think you are smart and well talk! 👍

[@YoungmanCovers]

This is a very interesting topic and I've studied this for my bachelor's. What several studies concluded, contrary to what your study concludes, is that the homegeneity of Scandinavia definitely contributes to the measurable happiness of the population of the Nordic countries. A people's success relies upon the ability to collaborate and unite, and to act as a whole. By having less diversity, cultural norms and values don't influence politics to a great extent and hence the government can act relatively unobstructed in the interest of the vast majority of people in that country, in this case obviously Swedes. And because Swedes, regardless if they're from Kiruna, Stockholm or Malmö, are raised with similar norms and values and thus perceive political success and progress in the same way. This makes governing significantly easier than what it would be in a country where there's a lot of cultural diversity, because political polarization is inevitable if the various ethnic groups are raised with vastly different norms, values and beliefs. This leads to several cultural influences on the government, to the extent where it requires significant compromises and no one really feels satisfied with the results. Hence, nationalism (or imperialism as some would rather call it) is on the rise in western Europe (and the western hemisphere) to halt mass immigration because people (not all) think a multi-cultural society cannot work. To your point that ethnic diversity isn't the problem per se, but ethic segregation is, you mentioned that these people aren't integrated well enough by the people of that country. This is a major problem for western Europe, because who actually is responsible for the integration of these people? Natives obviously believe that the initiative to integrate ought to come from the immigrants themselves, but they often seem rather conservative giving up their own beliefs and would rather push the values of the country they left upon the country they are welcomed by. I don't say this happens the majority of the time, but only if it happens 25% of the time, the natives will generalize this for the entirety of immigrants and fail to see the good things that CAN come from immigration. And slowly the natives and immigrants will become more and more divided and as the immigrants also gain political influence, less actual governing can be done because of the imported cultures and the lack of integration from both sides and the entire country becomes polarized.

[@christianjuntunen5941]

This is a topic that interests me so would love to read your bacherlor´s (or what you say).

[@SUSSDUE]

Very interesting, I agree. Here the immigrants from islamic countries seem to be very conservative in their ways with not letting women work, women have to wear headscarfs more and more, shaking hands with opposite sex is forbidden and the rife " honour culture" - with strict rules for girls behaviour and eve murder of the daughters who try to break free. It is so odd why on earth people with these values choose to immigrate to a country like Sweden with values so totally opposite to their own ( look at the World Value Scale)! The only reason is our generous welfare system and lack of effective law enforcment and lax implementation of the law combined with soft sentences where the care is more for the criminal than for the victim. I am 57 and have to say I clearly see how Sweden has become a much more insecure country to live in than in my youth and sadly I have to say ( I honestly wish I didn´t have to ) the sole responsibility for Sweden going downhill is the huge immigration from countries with values so very far from our own. Now 25 % of the population comes from those countries and I fear our society with a lot of trust into governement and our fellow countrymen is deteriorating. Segregation is huge and causes an enormous split in a country that used to be so homogenous. So sadly I think an ethnically diverse country is worse to live in as long as there are those who cling to the kind of values you find in the Middle East and North Africa. The only way we can go forward is assimilation to the core Western values of religion being a private matter with no impact on law and society values ( and no clothing deeming women a second class human), with total gender equality, no harassment for your sexuality, with no clan based corruption ( no corruption at all) and letting your children seek their own life and happiness. But as long as immigrants are even encouraged to keep their , for us native Swedes, opressive values, segregation is here to stay and we Swedes will act on it in our own passive agressive way, like moving out from areas where immigrants live ( white flight), building our own swimming pools as it feels more and more unsafe to go to a local swimmingpool or lake where there are loads of young immigrant men harassing young girls and boys, driving our kids to school or sports activities as robberies are getting more and more common even in middle class areas. ( The kids from immigrant suburbs call the more afluent areas their " larder" as it is just to go there and rob the middle class kids of their mobiles and coats etc) The school system, which used to be a " leveller" as everyone , from rich kid to poor kid, went to the same school, has these twenty years really driven the segregation too as there are now a lot of private schools with mainly middle class etnic Swedes( no fee, they get the same money/pupil as a council school from the local council). So in my little town there is a local council school w over 90% immigrant kids as almost all swedish parents have choosen a private school with less troubles and where their kids actually get to learn at least something. So of course the immigrant kids hardly learn any swedish and so the downward spiral goes. I wish I could be more positive that it will sort itself out in a generation or two, but if there is no proper assimilation to the Swedish core values that will not happen.

[@rogbro3438]

Den som inte vill integreras kommer aldrig integreras, babbarna är här för att leva gratis, det är allt. Den här jänkaren är pk.

[@paxgren]

Thanks Stefan! You're so correct on your research. I moved out of Sweden 30 years ago because of the weather there; but I do regret it at times. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks again.

[@StefanThyron]

I completely understand the desire to move away due to weather. I have the same feelings! But overall a great country, glad you enjoyed it ☺️

[@paxgren]

@@StefanThyron Thanks Stefan for your kind response. You're doing an excellent job with KZbin. Keep up with your good work. My best wishes to you always and take good care of you during this pandemic period too.

[@ANightworkerslife]

Why you often feel down in the dark winter here is because your body is lacking vitamin D, which you only get from the sun. Up here in the north its common with a vitamin D deficiency and that you need to add this, a specially during the months. As a night worker I eat this on a daily basis in a high dosage. Then its also a case of what you do with the dark months. If you succumb to it you might not be so happy but if you try and use the days when its a nice weather (even though, cold...) and try to get out an about and be in nature or just have walk, you will feel better about it (even though, cold...) That's also why Nordic people like to get out in the snow when we get it, it's nice and bright, you get light and sun and feel happier and healthier.

[@jiroarai1996]

I strongly agree with your idea that trust is one of the key concepts to understand high QOL in nordic countries. At Lund University, I have written my master thesis to analyze a positive relationship between a level of trust in society and an output of innovation in society. I'll be cheering for you from Tokyo!

[@k.k.9330]

I have tons of cousins in Sweden and WISH I could connect and go there. Your videos have shown me that I live my life very much after my Swedish roots. Thank you for sharing. My DNA results are 98% Scandinavian. My great-great-grandparents on my mother's side were Swedish and my grandfather on mom's side was from Norway.

[@greenkitty82]

I feel the same way too. My great grandmother is Swedish and so my Grandmother is half Swedish and I really relate to how the Swedes think and view things. When a Swede is described I feel like they are describing my personality (I was born and brought up in the UK) but what's in your makeup is in your makeup 😁 I hope you can get to Sweden some day and connect to your roots more. I'm completely in love with its countryside ❤️ 🇸🇪

[@nicolettaa3428]

I so loved your video. I totally agree with you. I see the differences between my home country (Greece) and England as i live here the last 3 years. The weather kinda sucks (even though i do love rain) but i trust more British institutions. Greece is too corrupted and i was miserable when i was living there for many reasons... Btw, since this is a social video, have you ever read "The Almost Nearly Perfect People"? I think you might like it since it's about Nordic countries. Keep up the good work! :)

[@ceoofupfuckery.8561]

One more thing to consider in the "tax vs freedom" thoughtprocess is my anecdotal story: I bummed out, got depressed and spiraled into alcoholism. I got social welfare, treatment and bounced back within 2 years. If i were born in North Amercia, i would probably have continued to cost the state money for the rest of my life - living on the streets. Thankfully, i was born here - and i am now paying taxmoney again since 5 years. All and all, thats a + for every other taxpayer.

[@heureuse8568]

I think it was only 10-12 years ago when the US was among the top 5 happiest countries. Before the gap between poor and rich started to escalate.

[@QuesttoFIRE]

Spot on analysis👍🏻

[@calbackk]

This was a vet Good episode. Thank you. I Will study the report myself.

[@morayahp-c4343]

Great video Stefan ! by the way the sound quality on Your videos is 👍 ... would u mind sharing what mic you’re using ?

[@LarsSoderberg]

Lovin the channel. Pro tip: You're talking in to the back side of the Blue Yeti mic. Turn it around and it will work much better. On the back side; set gain to around 12 o'clock and the mode to "cardioid" (the symbol that looks like a butt or an upside down heart haha). No shame, no criticism here. Just a friendly tip :)

[@monicadahlin]

A really great video!

[@scyphe]

What people don't know about the comparatively high taxes is what they're actually used for. Most people know about our cheap health care (which becomes free when you hit a certain sum during a 12-month period both when it comes to regular visits to doctors as well as prescription medicines no matter how expensive they are) but they're used for so much more. We generally have very clean towns and cities due to local taxes paying for cleaning crews that start cleaning the streets, sidewalks, squares, pedestrian streets etc. from 4am on the morning and finish around 7-8am. A lot of greenery in towns and cities, holiday decorations, road maintenance, green areas, plants and artworks in road roundabouts, traffic islands etc., culture events/free entry museums/youth and music places and so on. Income-based subsidized daycare (~150/month in average depending on where you live and your income level), preschool, personal assistance to people with certain needs or illnesses (mental or physical), grants, support for the business sector (esp. the small business sector), adult education... I could go on and on and on and on. What it really boils down to is that the cumulative effect becomes synergetic. People are affected by their environment and making the environment clean, pretty and safe (obviously there are exceptions, esp. in the biggest cities with certain areas not being given some of that attention, perhaps due to the city budget or the political leadership) makes people happier in turn. When growing in this kind of environment from a very young age and throughout life it becomes part of your mindset and behavior. Since the 70'ies (afaik) when the environmental consciousness started to become a thing in Sweden the various governments have introduced a variety of behavior changing efforts - from public campaigns (which are still taking place), recycle fees for glass, plastic and aluminum bottles/cans that you get back since you can just bring a bag of empty soda bottles and beer cans (if bought in Sweden, otherwise you don't get any return but you never paid that fee to begin with) - something that is so obvious and ingrained in the population, with every grocery store that sell such goods must provide recycle facilities, thus it's become ubiquitous. The high excise duty on energy, petrol, tobacco, plastic bags etc. is implemented to change our behavior. While we may moan about it (esp. petrol and alcohol being super-expensive), they do have an effect over time. Take the high alcohol tax for instance. 2019 the calculated alcohol related health care bill was 103 miljarder/billion SEK ($15+ billion) or the yearly salary for 14,500 nurses. Smoking is costing the society at least 75 miljarder/billion SEK ($9 billion) a year. The excise duties on these goods suddenly makes a lot of sense although they're spread out over everyone that buy these products. When it comes to smoking, campaigns and the constantly increasing price hike on tobacco have led to a rather dramatic decrease of smokers, around a 50% drop since 2006. Part of that is the ban against smoking in restaurants/pubs/public buildings etc. etc. leading to people having to go outside whether it's summer, winter, rainy, snowy etc. Our behavior as well as our view on smoking has changed and become more negative in general, leading to more people quitting their smoking habits and fewer people starting which in turn leads to a healthier population on average. Many ex-smokers replaced cigarettes with vaporizers or snus which in comparison aren't even close to being as harmful as smoking due to the fact that incinerating tobacco is what creates the tar and the many cancerogenic substances that smokers inhale. These excise taxes basically have a couple of main reasons: changing our behavior due to high cost which result in us using less of these products and becoming more conscious about our habits and behaviors. In time we become used to the situation and it's normalized, becoming part of our thinking and change our habits (over time, it's a slow process) accordingly. When it comes to petrol and electricity it is slightly different. In the northern part of Sweden the price of petrol is a sore point since they have much longer distances that they must drive to get to work etc. due to the low population density longer distances between villages, towns and small cities. That is offset by the fact that a lot of the electricity used is produced in the northern part of Sweden (hydroelectric power stands for 40% of the energy used in Sweden). The further from the source you are, the more expensive the transportation of that energy becomes which led the government to divide Sweden into 4 different power zones ranging from north to south where the price of electricity becomes higher the further south you live. TL;DR, if you lasted this long, thanks for reading. ;)

[@stockholmsweden7977]

@Stefan Thyron Can you do a house tour video 😁 since it seems that you live at a new location. Såg din video när du bodde i Aspudden för 1 år sedan, så skulle vara kul och se hur du har det nu. Hyr du ? Har du köpt ? Trevlig kväll!

[@DNA350ppm]

Thanks for this insight into social economics! Great, thorough job, well presented! Those reports are not easily read.

[@designstinamarshmallow9868]

That is not so common in Sweden to leave your laptop unattended. I wouldn't do that in Sweden. But in Japan, everybody leaves it, bags, shopping bags, phone and all. 🌺

[@Jonsson474]

In Japan and South Korea, when leaving your table in a night clubs you leave your phone on the table to show that the seat is taken and that you will be back soon. Those countries have almost no crime and crazy high social trust.

[@christianjuntunen5941]

I think he said on the train or something like that. I have left my computer unattendet many times on the train.

[@JimmiG84]

It depends on which train too. I wouldn't do it on the subway or Stockholm commuter train. However when I travel up north by train I leave my bags, laptop etc. at my seat unattended all the time when I go to the toilet or restaurant car. Also keep in mind that it might be 1-2 hours between stations on those lines, so it's not like a thief would have anywhere to go...

[@wendajones9040]

I live in Sweden and I agree with everything here. I really hope we can keep it this way in this changing world!

[@ge_mig_nat_som_kanns]

Be sure to eat your vitamin D and the wintertime may ease on you

[@pahakasvivenuksesta2653]

really?

[@karenkranz2682]

this might be your best post yet.

[@beorlingo]

Hey Stephan! The comment sections of your channel's are among the most civil! What's with the worries? Getting Swedish (conflict anxious)are we? 😁🇸🇪

[@MainframeModule]

Aussie here - I HAAATE summer. I avoid the sun wherever possible and I was at my happiest running around near glaciers in iceland in a tshirt.....I used to do the opposite, go to the coldest place i could for summer here but now with Covid that's not an option.

[@sreebal9208]

You have put the points quite straight

[@margaretalaine3581]

Thank you, I follow this🌏🇸🇪🇫🇮

[@Krebs-Danmark]

I know that a financial safety net is one of the reasons to have a satisfying life. Happiness, for me, is connected with a balanced life, at work and in private life. If you can focus on the good times you experience every day, then you will be satisfied and experience happy moments. In my case, I am hugely happy to be able to get medical attention for my chronic condition. - Ordinary Danes are not rich, even with the help measures we have for the unemployed and us with reduced working capacity. - So some of us are given midicin from the hospitals, but you have to be approved for that. And I'm very grateful for that part of our society. It gives me energy to live and enjoy life.

[@heinedenmark]

You're pretty much bang on 👍

[@ssirfbrorsan]

Hey! Have watched most of the "broadcasts" (is it called that?) You have done on YT. I am Swedish and seventy-two years old and I think you have a very open mind. I think, sometimes, that you have misunderstood certain cultural rules, but: Like your videos, which are very insightful.

[@AFrenchWomanLivingInDenmark]

Really nice video! I really thought you would bring up the concept of Hygge , although it’s a danish word that concept seems to apply to all nordic countries -> simple pleasures of life in a nutshell 😊

[@b.v.nielsen8714]

A complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things. Helen Russell - Living Danishly. Love your videos btw😊

[@AFrenchWomanLivingInDenmark]

@@b.v.nielsen8714 thank you! 😊 and i just ordered the book 😃

[@b.v.nielsen8714]

@@AFrenchWomanLivingInDenmark Dansk, English, Français? 🙂

[@AFrenchWomanLivingInDenmark]

@@b.v.nielsen8714 the book is in english 😊

[@b.v.nielsen8714]

@@AFrenchWomanLivingInDenmark Sad, it would've been nice with a danish translation. Well, enjoy your reading, Helen is a bright lady, with a good (almost danish) sense of humour. 😉

[@MegaWunna]

I am a trans woman. We do get all the help we need here in Sweden.

[@SerenityM54L2SAM5L5N1]

Rather than therapy, Sweden provides a different type of "help" that many countries in the West does. That has led to many people regretting their transitioning process, indulging in irreversible changes during an impressionable point of their life, and in medicine/tactics that may not target the core of the issue for the unstable individual in question. So I don't necessarily see these Swedish medical policies as a good thing.

[@MegaWunna]

@@SerenityM54L2SAM5L5N1 regretting transition is extremely rare compared to people getting transition and feeling good.

[@MegaWunna]

@@night6724 what I said is actually true, yes trans suicide exist but itvs not due to the help it's basically due to not getting the help in time, so you need to stop living in your fantasy and snap back into reality.

[@MegaWunna]

So true, so true :)

[@BossGokaiGreen]

HI FRIENDSHIPS 🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@emmaschreiber4363]

Thank You 👏👏🙌👍

[@karnellschultz6446]

Dang. Research! Nice video man.

[@ridanst]

your video really make me want to migrate to sweden! everyone please pray that I got a swedish scholarship next year so I can settle in this my dream country!

[@Kurkess]

Great topic. When I speak to my american friends (and other nationalities as well) and the topic centers on the scandinavian happiness I always try to explain that happiness is perceived differently in countries as well. What is perceived as happiness in Denmark for example, would in the US translate more into the term contendness. As you also mention the trust in the system, and low focus on status and undivided people groups definitely play a part. Americans, in my view, have in general a very competitive nature which maybe is derived from the large immigration over the last 2-300 years and having to make something from nothing - and it still lingers because the system doesn't quite hold your hand. You have to fight for your dreams. In scandinavia everyone basically has the same oppotunities - education is tax-funded and healthcare is tax-funded, social services will help you out with whatever situation you end up in, so people don't have to struggle to make sure you need these things, and most people feel contend at that stage. Just my opinion.

[@ocean1233]

Excellent 👍

[@frida507]

I don't know if this is common in other countries as well. Maybe it is? Unfortunately I can be distracted and loose stuff. Many times I left my bag in a commuter train or subway for example and got it back including wallet cash and cards. People take care of my bag, leave it to the Local transportation company or to the Police. Sometimes they find my number and call me. I remember one taxi driver who found my wallet, called me up and brought it to my workplace. Of course there are some pickpockets (as a tourist you should pay attention around touristy locations in Stockholm of course - you probably should in any European capital, because you are a target for professional thiefs). I did lose a bag with sports gear I just baught and forgot on the bus (or bus stop), that was not brought to lost and found, but generally I've been incredibly lucky.

[@andreag983]

Good vlog

[@thehilaryglow]

The way you describe life there just makes me realize more and more how I'm compatible with Sweden more than in my own country of Israel. I'm a winter person, I love minimalism, I'm pretty reserved and distant (but once you get close you see I'm kind and friendly and super warm inside). I live in Tel Aviv which is definitely one of the most expensive cities in the world, even more expensive then how I remember LA from living there when I was younger (half of my family is American). The weather here would fit most tourists like yourself who want eternal sunshine and vacation vibes all around, but it's still part of Israel which is very expensive in terms of paying for what you get. Most citizens here don't believe in the system, it's not well organized, to say the least. The difference between hi-techists and the rest is very noticeable. There's lots of corruption and we're not very happy here, always trying to change the system but the wealthy care for themselves only (the politicians from all sides overlook the simple folk and cater to the financial needs of those who take advantage of this folk). Not to mention the stressful territory (homeland security). The mentality is like other countries in the area, hot-blooded. I simply don't get along with most other Israelis, unless they're my friends who seem to be all intelligent, a bit cold, rational over emotional and highly educated just like I am. Some already immigrated to other countries, mostly in Europe, and even thought they're not religious they still suffer hate and antisemitism. That's the only thing I'm worried about, because I plan on using my European passport to immigrate to Scandinavia - but I hope not to be attacked just for being born Jewish and Israeli.

[@jespermayland571]

My 19 year old daughter (now son) is in the process of gender change. It's a long process and he just finished his 3rd. out of 6 psychological evaluation. This and the later hormone treatment/surgery is all paid for by the Danish heath system. 🙌🙏🇩🇰🇸🇯🇸🇪

[@kristerforsman2448]

This was really an interesting and analytical video. You have developed incredibly. Funny that you have become less conservatively distrustful and have more faith in society and the people. There are studies that show that even within countries, conservatives are more distrustful than leftists.

[@EnGammalAmazon]

Very good episode. First, I am from Near Portland, Oregon, and have a high proportion of my genetics from Sweden. When I add in the bits of Finnish and Norwegian I am told that I am 78% Nordic. This might explain why I have always felt more at home in Sweden than I ever have in the US. I finally decided it was time to accept the fact that I'm Swedish so I purchased property about 3 hours north of Stockholm. I have established a business here and I am in the final stages of making the permanent move. I have had many conversations with Americans over the years regarding how people might understand Sweden and why people in general are, as you've noted, much happier in Sweden and the Nordics in general. Most of the negative comments I have encountered come from people who have never been outside the US let alone to a Nordic country. They seem to parrot what they hear from their chosen media. When someone says, "Well, it could work there because it is such a small country." Or, "It only works there because it is such a homogeneous country." My first thought is, "You've obviously never been there." You did a great job of debunking those two key notions. When and if you start to share statistics, many people's eyes roll back in their heads and go in to an argument mode. I've found that it is far easier to ask them to describe the quality of their life and how they are doing economically. You can then show them that the quality of life in the Nordic countries is visibly high on issues such as environment, violence, graffiti, litter, housing cost, homeless, education and health care. People will then often remark about the extremely high tax rates in Sweden. Yes, they are higher. But you can point out that if we add up all the taxes we pay in the US, we too, have a very high tax rate. The only real metrics that makes a difference is that the Swedes still have a higher level of 'disposable income' than Americans have and they have a higher quality of life. It all comes down to that. Life is generally better in the entire Nordic region than in the US. And this is all done in a country that has twice as many billionaires per capita than the US. Knowing this makes it hard to claim that being a social democratic nation somehow precludes being a functional capitalistic society where everyone wins. It might just be time for the US to start asking, “What are the Swedes doing that we are not.” You did a good job of presenting this, Stefan. Keep up the good work.

[@AmbiCahira]

I feel like the darkness teaches you to appreciate good days differently. I suffered such severe seasonal depression from the darkness in Norrland but I remember my first year here in Minnesota in March or April some clerk said it was rough with seasonal depression in the darkness and I couldn't stop my face from looking super confused because the sun was literally in the sky with no clouds. It's been 8 years and I still don't understand what darkness they are talking about because sun is up year round most of the day. In the spring they long for warm weather, in Summer it's too hot and humid or too rainy, in fall it's too cold (but there's pumpkin spice which I think is Americans greatest joy xD) then winter is too long.... which I disagree with since I'm used to longer winters. In Sweden people are so high on joy in spring and immediately in spring and summer plan activities to enjoy it while it lasts then cozy up the dark with cozy lights. I also think cabin culture helps a lot because you have a home away from home thats even more simplistic and you get away from your musts and shoulds. But yeah that darkness.... I knew I had to live elsewhere to feel productive and happier year round.

[@ThornyRoseV]

Why does the darkness make you sad ? Its like saying wind makes you sad.

[@richardschager4702]

Some of the best and pragmatic vids you ever posted about the nordics vs USA. We are not perfect in any way, but the timespan on economic mobility here is double of the USA. The American dream is alive with oppertunities, but in the Nordics you can move from poverty (depending of course in how you define poverty) to middle class is 2,5 generations. In the US it´s 5 generations. In general. That is just a fact. God job Stefan!

[@4700_Dk]

I live in Denmark 8 months of the year, but spend Nov to March back in Arizona. Hate the winters.

[@mendamend]

what is your secret? how can you afford that?

[@ranadushyant]

I am originally from India and lived in Sweden for 6 years. I can say one thing that the order and balance in Nordic countries makes you so peaceful that the chaos in other countries just makes you sick in the stomach. The bribing and the delay and the rude people. 🤮🤮 But sweden🇸🇪❤

[@susannegyllengard9250]

Good video

[@libbyoakden2983]

Great explanation of the findings in the report. Only recently living in Stockholm Feb 2020 Sweden seems more socially cohesive than UK (where I'm from). Two books about inequality you may be interested in - The Spirit Level by Richard Wilkinson & Kate Pickett Do we need Inequality by Danny Dorling. More positive book which may be very far from current US political culture is Utopia for realists by Rutger Bregman.

[@robertberg1609]

What is your opinion on Andrew Yang and his ideas about UBI ?

[@christianjuntunen5941]

There is another american here on youtube (living in Sweden) talking about taxes and he says that in the US he pays alot of dirrerent taxes and its almost the same as here in Sweden. So would be interesting to see you make a video and explain your view in this topic.

[@herrbonk3635]

Hah! Just like we didn't pay a lot of hidden taxes here in Sweden. Arbetsgivaravgifter and sociala avgifter takes over 30% before the visible tax. Then moms 25% on most things you buy, plus lots of heavy point taxes (and moms!) on life necessities like housing, transportation and energy. More than half of the electricity bill is pure tax and the major part of the consumer price on gasoline is also pure tax. Not to mention alcohol (516,59 kr tax per liter etanol, i.e. about 250 kr tax on one liter vodka).

[@wittiza2102]

Myself as a swedish labourer who earns below the averange wage, of my employers cost for me working 55% goes to tax. The ones who benefit from the swedish tax system is home owners with debt where the real estate price are high because they get tax cut on the interest payed on the mortages and very low real estate tax. Also lazy people who do not work benefit from our tax system. Sweden needs a tax reform where they lower the tax on wages and maybe an increase on taxes on capital gains, also a higher tax on real estate. But no tax increase on inheritance and wealth because that only leads to flight of capital and the productive people in society.

[@herrbonk3635]

@@wittiza2102 _higher tax on real estate..._ So if you own your house and wants to continue living there (instead of speculating) you should pay even more than today? Just for the right to keep your own home... With your propsal, even more people are going to be forced away from their houses and appartments due to this insane speculation and inflation in house prices driven by the banks (constantly creating more money out of nothing). We sure need reforms! But not more state confiscation of private property... we need less of that.

[@wittiza2102]

@@herrbonk3635 En fastighetsskatt som den var förut hade kunnat kyla ner en överhettad bostadsmarknad. Var ett stort misstag att avskaffa den. Med sänkt inkomstskatt så har folk råd att betala en höjd fastighetsskatt också, och den som planerad att evt införas igen har ett tak beroende på vad man har i inkomst. Kommer nog bli många som skriver över fastigheter på omyndiga barn för att slippa skatten dock... Sen så har man ett hus värt 5 miljoner och har gjort en massa ränteavdrag samtidig som man blivit miljonär på att bo så tycker inte jag synd om någon. Sen missgynnar det nuvarande systemet folk som bor i obygden där fastigheter fortfarande har ett rimligt pris. Påståendet att fastighetsskatt var så dåligt är pga en riktigt pr kampanj från villaägarna och skattebetalarnas förening, och sen stod ju Hägglund och drog nån historia om Greta 87 år som bodde i Skärgården och måste flytta för skatten var för hög. Sossarna och deras kompisar kommer säkert försöka införa en ny arvskatt och förmögenhetsskatt och det om något vore en katastrof. Förmögenhetsskatten ledde bara till kapitalflykt och var byggd på avundsjuka. Den drog heller inte in så mycket skattepengar, för det gick att trixa med den om man ville. Arvskatt är ju så moralisk fel som det bara blir och den missgynnade folk som var sparsamma och var ett vått täcke på företagandet. Skulle man göra något så är det att införa en platt skatt på typ 20% på inkomster och kapital samtidigt som typ sparformer som ISK avskaffas, införa en ny fastighetsskatt, sänka arbetsgivaravgifter(eller åtminstone skriva in den på deklarationen så folk ser den), införa enhetlig moms och först och främst minska det allmännas utgifter. Skattepengar ska gå till vård, skola, omsorg, ordningsmakten, rättsväsendet , viss infrastruktur och försvaret. Inte som nu när det går till kultur(även sport är medräknat här), afghaner, värdelösa kommunikatörer på statliga verk, höga politikerarvoden, misskötsel av varenda myndighet, utlandstjänstgörning av svenska försvaret, EU, misslyckad kriminalvård av obotligt kriminella etc etc. Som nån sossegubbe sa på 50-talet "varje förslösad Skattekrona är en stöld av folket". Kloka ord som hans efterkommande totalt struntar i. Sverige är kört om vi får 4 år till med den här katastrofen till regering, för även utan kastrofen Löfven med anhang så kommer 20-talet inte att vara glatt överhuvudtaget. Risken finns för ekonomisk depression, spräckt skuldbubbla och hög inflation, så vare sig vi vill eller inte kommer det att bli sämre.

[@herrbonk3635]

@@wittiza2102 Vi lever tydligen i olika universum. Just den skatt du försvarar drev folk från sina hem när priserna steg. Jag såg det på ganska nära håll, ett antal gånger.

[@akgolfpro]

Stefan, thanks for posting these videos. If you haven't already, you should read the book "The Almost Nearly Perfect People" by Michael Boothe. In his analysis, a large part of the happiness factor is that nordics set realistic expectations for life while Americans chase a dream or lifestyle very few can actually achieve. Former President Teddy Roosevelt warned of this saying, "comparison is the absence of joy." Also to your point about divisional impact. The USA is essentially 11 "countries" as argued by Colin Woodard in "American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures in North America" - another good read! When one cultural nation or coalition of nations controls the White House, Senate, House or SCOTUS (not to mention state, local levels) the others feel alienation and thus, unhappiness. The best fictional comparison I can think of to Europe is if the EU was one country, Germany and France went back and forth implementing their policies over everyone else, their marketing culture promised everyone they could or should be millionaires in Monaco and if they're not they can drown their sorrows in corn syrup 😂 I am sure that Europe would be as "happy" as the USA!

[@mvoetmann1]

Most of my life, I did not realize that the trust that exists between people in Scandinavia was something special. But it is. People are literally trained to trust others and be trustworthy persons from early childhood. The trust in institutions is a secondary effect, I think. Learning to live in a trusting society is the primary thing. I think that from a happiness perspective of its a good thing, but there are also several not so ideal stood effects. Eben people trust rather than control, the potential for abuse becomes significant.

[@ellalella1]

I think of the people I know who have had very advanced health care and paid very little for it and gotten paid time off afterwards to recover and still be able to keep their jobs. That is something I gladly pay for, as well as daycare, maternity leave, schools, infrastructure etc etc. I can somehow take a little pride in the taxes I paid were used to give others that opportunity and that by that we can sort of make the society together. It sounds a bit grand, I know, but I can take genuine delight in that. Some people are more focused on what "I" get, but mostly "I" get what they need too so they are not that bothered. I can see that I got a good schooling, 5 years of free university studies, free maternity visits while pregnant, free birth, parental leave, sick leave for yourself and when your kids are sick, very low cost daycare, very low cost after school care, I had two surgeries so far in life for free etc. etc. Even if I was all focused on what I got out of it, I would still find enough to be happy.

[@FinDi90]

The weather is what it is. But there's plenty of good clothing to get through it. No sun in the winter... well, one will apriciate in the spring/summer. In the end, I think the weather here is great! We have four seasons, and rarely anything truely extreme.

[@michaelattner550]

Intressant.😮

[@samuelsundkvist3001]

Saw a simlilar comment on your last video but the "background" music is too loud. For example between 6:00 and 6:40 you really have to concentrate to hear what you're saying. Just a tip :)

[@tdwebste]

Thinking of sending my daughter to an advanced level Swedish high school. I will also be working that year in Sweden as an engineer. I am from Canada she speaks English and Cantonese, and a bit of French and Mandarin. Is Swedish good for her to have. Should i learn Swedish? I only speak English and a tiny bit of French. What is a good high school year to do overseas study?

[@t0tta]

If you are going to live here for a year, why would you not learn Swedish?

[@tdwebste]

@@t0tta It is my plan :)

[@Feldegast92]

Funny comment about the laptop on the train. In South Korea in the libraries it's very common that people leave their laptops unattended then go and eat for an hour and come back. I can imagine people here in Sweden for a short time leaving a laptop, but not that long :)

[@yoleeisbored]

huh are swedish people generally happy? im korean and im unhappy

[@Feldegast92]

@@yoleeisbored I would definitely say most Swedes are happy. Think nordic country citizens consistently are judged among the happiest in the world. I know about hell joseon and how unhappy many Koreans are, they have a bad situation with job market and housing market.

[@jayantsarfare5022]

Sir. By watching your videos . I am looking forward to move Sweden. From Canada . Can you give me some link ?

[@connykarlsson9599]

Here in that link above you get much info and how society works. Have a good life!😀

[@MP-zw5vg]

From 10:25. This is super common.in Japan. No problem Hej från en Svensk i Japan.

[@blessingsdaybyday2958]

be blessed.