The Kingdom of Denmark consists of three countries: Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. While Greenland withdrew from the Common Market in 1985 (it is now associated with the European Union as an OCT), the Faroe Islands never joined the EU.

International surveys usually rank Denmark among the world’s happiest countries. But what makes Danish people so happy?
When international surveys ask citizens around the world how happy they are with their daily lives and personal circumstances, Denmark always comes in among the top three happiest countries in the world. But what makes the Danes so happy? Is it the tuition-free access to high-quality education, or the no-fee public health care? Is it the relative lack of crime and corruption, or just plain Danish hygge?

According to the World Happiness Report, happiness is closely linked to social equality and community spirit - and Denmark does well on both. Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare. Even though there are eleven major political parties in Denmark, none of them seriously supports dismantling the Danish welfare state.