Looking Past the Betting Odds: Eurovision’s Real Winners in Happiness

With Eurovision 2025 just around the corner, all 37 participating countries and thousands of fans are making their way to Basel, Switzerland, the host city of this year's 69th edition of the Contest. The anticipation is palpable as enthusiasts dive into the vibrant world of betting odds. Sweden, a perennial favorite with a remarkable track record, currently stands as the one to beat, while Austria follows closely behind, generating significant buzz.

As fans speculate on potential winners, we pose a thought-provoking question: What if we ranked the top contenders not by their odds of winning, but by their ability to inspire happiness? Drawing from the World Happiness Report 2025—an annual study by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network that evaluates countries based on factors like income, social support, freedom, generosity, and trust—we examine how national well-being impacts Eurovision creativity and success.

Happier societies foster greater artistic expression, innovation, and emotional resonance—qualities essential for memorable Eurovision performances. Research shows that when people live in secure and supportive environments, they feel freer to imagine, take risks, and create work that resonates. This is particularly true for artists, who thrive in communities that encourage emotional openness and the freedom to express complex ideas. Ultimately, Eurovision is not just a contest; it’s a celebration of storytelling, identity, and bold artistic vision.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the top ten happiest Eurovision nations and see how their well-being has inspired some of the most memorable and meaningful Eurovision moments, contributing to elevated levels of national happiness.

 ### 1. Finland: A Metal Victory Finland holds the title of the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year! This happiness stems from a strong sense of community, equality, and trust in institutions—even through the long, dark winters. Social connection is essential here, and many Finns, especially in the north, gather in saunas to relax, connect, and recharge.

After 45 years of waiting—and often finishing last—Finland finally claimed its first Eurovision victory in 2006 with Lordi’s unforgettable metal anthem "Hard Rock Hallelujah." It was a radical departure from Eurovision norms, electrifying fans across the continent. The win brought immense pride to Finland, expanded Eurovision’s musical boundaries, and empowered more artists to embrace alternative genres.

 ### 2. Denmark: Folk and Emotion Denmark consistently ranks high in happiness due to its robust welfare system, strong community ties, and a widespread culture of trust. The Danish concept of hygge—a kind of cozy contentment—extends into how Danes create and enjoy music.

In 2013, Emmelie de Forest’s "Only Teardrops" won Eurovision with a performance that blended folk rhythms and emotional vulnerability. The song resonated deeply with audiences, capturing the Danish balance of intimacy and ambition.

### 3. Iceland: Creativity in Isolation Despite its small population, Iceland boasts a vibrant cultural scene grounded in strong social cohesion and gender equality. The breathtaking natural landscapes and close-knit communities foster an artistic spirit that thrives on creativity and innovation.

In 2020, Iceland’s entry by Daði og Gagnamagnið emerged as an undeniable viral sensation. Although the Eurovision contest was canceled due to the pandemic, "Think About Things" captured the hearts of listeners, becoming a standout radio hit across Europe and even making waves in the USA. This remarkable success illustrates that one doesn’t need to grace the Eurovision stage to achieve international recognition. During a time of global isolation, millions found solace and joy in the song, transforming it into a powerful anthem of resilience and connection that resonated far beyond borders.

### 4. Sweden: A Pop Powerhouse Sweden consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, thanks to its strong welfare state, gender equality, access to nature, and a national commitment to culture and education. These societal strengths fuel a rich and innovative music industry that continues to shape global pop trends. 

Sweden’s most famous victory came in 1974 with ABBA’s "Waterloo"—a moment that transcended Eurovision history. ABBA’s sensational win catapulted them to global stardom and remains a cultural touchstone in Swedish identity. Even decades after their separation in the early '80s, their legacy continues to inspire generations of artists. ABBA’s win didn’t just change Sweden’s musical reputation—it showed the world what a small, happy, and creatively empowered country could achieve on the global stage. 

### 5. Netherlands: Authenticity and Heart Dutch happiness is rooted in social freedom, high-quality healthcare, and a strong work-life balance. The Netherlands also invests deeply in culture and the arts, with a thriving creative scene that prizes originality. In 2019, Duncan Laurence won Eurovision with "Arcade," a haunting ballad about love and loss. Performed with quiet vulnerability, the song became a global streaming hit, demonstrating how stripped-down authenticity can still win hearts on the Eurovision stage.

### 6. Norway: A Joyful Resurgence Norway ranks high in happiness thanks to its wealth distribution, low corruption, and a deep respect for nature and culture. It also boasts a thriving music industry and a public media system that supports artistic expression. After years of poor results, Norway’s 1985 win with Bobbysocks’ "La det swinge" was a moment of national catharsis. Their joyful, retro performance energized the country and inspired a new generation of Norwegian performers to dream big and take the Eurovision stage.

### 7. Israel: Pioneering Representation Israel’s ranking in the World Happiness Report reflects its strong family structures, community values, and cultural dynamism, especially in the arts and music. Dana International’s 1998 victory with "Diva" was a groundbreaking moment—not only for Israel but for LGBTQ+ representation across Europe. As the first transgender winner, Dana became a symbol of courage and inclusivity. Her win remains one of the most iconic in Eurovision history, sparking conversations about identity, acceptance  and change.

### 8. Australia: A Cheerful Debut Australia’s place on the happiness list is tied to its high quality of life, outdoor lifestyle, and strong social safety net. The country values openness, humor, and multiculturalism—all reflected in its love for Eurovision. After decades of watching the contest from afar—often waking up at 2:00 AM to tune in—Australia was finally invited to compete in 2015. Guy Sebastian represented the nation with the upbeat funk-pop track "Tonight Again," delivering a charismatic performance that earned Australia a fifth-place finish in its debut, and a unique opportunity for local artists to reach international recognition and new audiences.

### 9. Austria: A Melodic Heart Austria’s happiness stems from social stability, a rich cultural life, and strong public services. Music is deeply embedded in its identity—from classical composers to modern pop. In 2014, Conchita Wurst’s "Rise Like a Phoenix" not only captivated Europe with a powerful performance but also emerged as a poignant message of transformation and acceptance. Her victory resonated as a symbol of hope and resilience, particularly during a year marked by numerous human rights violations against the LGBTQ+ community. Conchita's presence on the Eurovision stage challenged societal norms, igniting conversations about identity, inclusivity, and dignity. Her win was not just a triumph for Austria; it was a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights, showcasing the power of representation and the importance of standing up for marginalized voices. 

### 10. Switzerland: Bringing It Home Switzerland’s happiness is rooted in stability, safety, and a strong sense of civic participation. As the birthplace of Eurovision, having hosted the very first contest in 1956, Switzerland holds a special place in Eurovision history. In 1988, a virtually unknown singer from Quebec named Celine Dion won the contest for Switzerland, propelling her into one of the most spectacular global music careers of all time.

In 2024, Switzerland celebrated another milestone when Nemo became the first openly nonbinary artist to win Eurovision, sparking nationwide joy and pride. This victory set the stage for Switzerland to host Eurovision 2025 in Basel, marking a significant cultural event characterized by collaboration and unity among government bodies and civil society organizations. As the nation prepares for this momentous occasion, the journey from winning to hosting has ignited a renewed sense of national pride and excitement, bringing the Eurovision spirit full circle back to where it all began. And speaking of Celine Dion, rumor has it that she might make an appearance at this year's contest.

As Eurovision 2025 draws near, these countries remind us that happiness and music are not just connected—they’re inseparable. From progressive policies to powerhouse performances, nations that invest in well-being consistently nurture artists who uplift, challenge, and move us. And the artists themselves— who have the honor to perform on the biggest stage in the world - gift us three unforgettable minutes of emotion, joy, and connection that echo far beyond the final vote.

 ### And One More Thing…  As mentioned earlier, Sweden is currently the bookies’ favorite to win the contest in Basel. A Eurovision powerhouse with seven victories—three of them just this past 13 years —Sweden knows how to deliver. But this year, they’re sending something unexpectedly different and super joyful: KAJ, a Finnish-Swedish trio from Finland—the world’s happiest country. Their 2025 entry is a playful, heartfelt tribute to the sauna, the symbol of Nordic well-being and togetherness that, as we’ve seen throughout this piece, fuels happiness across the region. Is it just coincidence that they’re the ones to beat? Or is it proof that when happiness fuels creativity, Eurovision magic follows—and maybe even an eighth win?