Denmark is the happiest country in the world. Why?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/22/denmark-happiest-country_n_4070761.html

The official categories in the report: “The six factors for a happy nation split evenly between concerns on a government- and on a human-scale. The happiest countries have in common a large GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy at birth and a lack of corruption in leadership. But also essential were three things over which individual citizens have a bit more control over: A sense of social support, freedom to make life choices and a culture of generosity.”

Other reasons mentioned in the article:

Denmark supports parents
Health care is a civil right — and a source of social support [not trying to get political here, so just bear with me]
Gender equality is prioritized
Biking is the norm
Danish culture puts a positive spin on its harsh environment
Danes feel a responsibility to one another

Biking is the norm

“In Denmark’s most populated and largest city, Copenhagen, bikes account for 50 percent of its residents’ trips to school or work. Half. Half of commuting happens on a bike in Copenhagen and that doesn’t just improve fitness levels and reduce carbon emissions, it also contributes to the wealth of the city, reported Forbes:

Researchers found that for every kilometer traveled by bike instead of by car, taxpayers saved 7.8 cents (DKK 0.45) in avoided air pollution, accidents, congestion, noise and wear and tear on infrastructure. Cyclists in Copenhagen cover an estimated 1.2 million kilometers each day –- saving the city a little over $34 million each year.

What’s more, just 30 minutes of daily biking adds an average of one to two years to the life expectancy of Copenhagen’s cyclists.”