If you’re planning to emigrate, you’re probably in search of greener pastures. What are the most important features you look for in a new home country? Are you looking for a happier place to be? Is it money earning opportunities that draw you in? According to Fin24, there are a handful of reasons why South Africans like to emigrate and these include the likes of poor economic growth, safety concerns, constitutional unfairness, corruption and more. But this is only half of the story. It’s not always situations in the home country that push people out, but often the promise of happier lives in foreign countries that actually pull people away.

Happiest Countries in the World (According to the World Happiness Report)

The question begs to be answered; what are the happiest countries in the world to move to? According to the 2016 to 2019 World Happiness Report, the top 10 happiest countries in the world include the following in order of happiest to least happy (note that there are 156 countries included in the report). Interestingly enough, South Africa is only 106^th on the list. Australia is 11^th and the United Kingdom is 15^th.

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Norway
4. Iceland
5. Netherlands
6. Switzerland
7. Sweden
8. New Zealand
9. Canada
10. Austria

The basis of the happiness calculations are based on several aspects of life in these countries. These include the country’s GDP, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom of choice, generosity, perceptions of corruption, and general life enjoyment (happiness and laughter).

The report is an intense but interesting read. You can download the 2019 World Happiness Report here. The next World Happiness Report for 2020 will be released on the 20^th of March. That too should make for an interesting read.

What Makes the World’s Happiest Countries so Popular to Move to?

According to the World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country in the world to move to. Wikipedia statistics shows us that in 2018, there were 402,601 immigrants living in Finland. That’s just over 7% of the total population and also evidence that Finland is a popular country to move to. What makes Finland and the other “happiest countries”, so popular to move to?

Let’s take a look at what makes Finland such as sought-after destination. Below are just a few of the reasons why you might lead a happier life living side by side with the Fins.

• Health – Generally, Finnish people are considered extremely healthy. The nation has a very high life expectancy from birth and a very low mortality rate from cancer (third lowest in the world in fact).
• Safety – Finland is deemed the safest country in the world with the lowest crime rate. Finnish people have a very deep trust in their police systems (trust in police in Finland is in fact the highest in Europe). Finnish people also have access to an independent judicial system and have the best governance in the world. When you feel safe and trust the people “protecting” you, it’s hard not to be happy. This is in stark contrast to life in South Africa.
• Equality – Not many people know this, but Finland is the second most gender-equal country globally.
• Education – Education in Finland is unlike any education system in the world. And because of this, the country is always found at the top of worldwide education system rankings.

Why Canada is considered a Happy Destination to Move to

When you scrutinize other top countries on the list, Canada which is 9^th on the list for example, you find that the country is considered happy for very similar reasons. A few of the reasons why so many people flock to Canada are below:

• Canada embraces immigrants and is a multicultural nation.
• The country is beautiful, regardless of what area you are living in.
• The 2018 Global Peace Index ranked Canada as the 6^th most peaceful nation in the world. Canada is a safe place to live, work, and go to school.
• The economy is very strong in Canada. In fact it is the 10^th strongest in the world.
• Employees in Canada are all entitled to excellent benefits, holidays, and paid leave.
• The country is considered one of the most inclusive in the world and provides strong support for the LGBTQ community.
• Canada offers a world-class education system. In fact, the country was named the “most educated country in the world” by CNBC.
• All Canadians have access to universal healthcare.

Emigration from South Africa :The Stats

For many people, moving abroad is about far more than traveling to new places and meeting new faces. It’s about finding a country that feels like home. It’s about finding a country where your children will be safe, your earnings will be decent, and your future is something to look forward to. Unfortunately, South Africa is experiencing a mass exodus of its people and for very good reasons.

Most South Africans choosing to leave the country are choosing to live in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, and United States.

The statistics that are released by various organisations such as Stats SA, National Statistics Offices, and United Nations International Migrant Stock database, indicate that there are about 23,000 people leaving South Africa in search happier lives and greener pastures every year.

Emigrating from South Africa? Get Professional Tax & Financial Emigration Advice

Are you thinking of immigrating? Do you want to leave South African shores in search of greener pastures? If you do, make sure that you are prepared for the process. At FinGlobal we offer 10 years of expertise in the field of tax and financial emigration. We provide premier tax emigration and financial emigration advice and guidance for all South African expats and those looking into leaving the country. Our aim is to ensure that you get the most out when you leave the country. For more information and advice, contact us today. Give us a call for a chat or send us an email for further assistance.