Denmark

Home of Hans Christian Anderson, Denmark is truly a land of fairy tales. A quick glance at the most basic of stats reveals a nation with a rich, cultural history (once upon a time, the Vikings...) and a progressive, modern present (and they lived happily ever after). The surveys are correct when they ranked the country as "the happiest place in the world" -- Denmark is the second most peaceful (after New Zealand) and least corrupt nation in the world; has the best business climate and highest level of income equality in the world, highest GDP in the EU, free college education, and a 100% literacy rate. Even beyond the numbers, Denmark delivers. Both quaint and trendy, Copenhagen is an ideal capital, with world-class museums, internationally-renowned restaurants, a complex public transit system alongside canals and cobbled streets. For a little history, head to Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark, complete with winding streets, colorful houses, and viking museums. Arhus houses a lively and impressive music and entertainment scene, wonderful museums, and the the tallest and longest cathedral in Denmark, Arhus Domkirke. If you're looking for sun, head east -- way east, to the island of Bornholm, the sunniest part of Denmark and a top holiday destination. There, you can cycle around the island and explore the beaches, cliffsides, corn fields, fish harbors, and famous glassware and ceramic shops. Take extra care (and a camera) when visiting the white chalk cliffs of Mon; the cliffs, while beautiful, are subject to constant erosion and occasional landslides. Littered with pleasant towns and thriving cities, the quality of life is quite high. Unfortunately, the same goes for the cost of travel -- things can get a bit pricey in the land far, far away, but it's well worth a dip in the old piggy bank.