I, too, studied abroad for a year in Denmark, and found the Danes to be remarkably free of most stress. Of course, there are always interpersonal conflicts, medical issues, and difficult life choices to be made, but the Danes seemed free of the stress of figuring out their daily survival.

There was definitely a difference between the 'wealthy' Danes and the lower income Danes---but it's true, the "need" to keep up with the Joneses (Jansens?) was must less prevalent. Everyone had access to the same health care, the same education, even the same goods and services! There was a much, much smaller gap between the wealthy and the 'poor'.

I never thought about the fact that perhaps Danes are also happier because they have the freedom to choose work that really fulfills them---they aren't driven by having to make 'this much' or 'that much' money so they can live at a certain level. I should have asked so many more questions when I lived there---over twenty years ago, now!