Experiencing the World’s Happiest Country for Gen Z
Lithuania – Young people in Lithuania say that the struggles of their ancestors have taught them to appreciate every moment of the present and find beauty in the simple things.
According to the United Nations World Happiness Report 2024, Lithuania is the “happiest country in the world for those under 30 (Gen Z).”
Content creators Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor from Yes Theory, a popular Canadian media channel, decided to visit the capital city, Vilnius, to see if the report was accurate. Upon arriving in Vilnius, Ammar and Staffan began talking to locals. Most young people agreed that their country is a great place to live, citing “wonderful food, friendly people, plenty of job opportunities, and a growing economy.”
Many of them believe that the hardships endured by previous generations have taught today’s youth to savor life’s moments and “find beauty in the simple things.”
To engage more young people in conversation, Ammar and Staffan organized a meetup event. At the gathering, attendees shared their perspectives. “After a year living in the U.S., I appreciate life in Lithuania for its connection to nature,” one young person remarked. They added that visitors can easily access lakes or forests in Lithuania and enjoy the stunning natural scenery there. “Lithuania has never been better than it is now,” another young woman admitted.
When discussing happiness, a local mentioned that while young people in Lithuania are “quite happy,” it doesn’t mean they are free from challenges or life pressures.
Following the meetup, Ammar and Staffan spent the remainder of their trip mingling with locals and visiting tourist spots such as the former Lukiškės Prison, now a cultural venue, and the Hill of Crosses monument.
“This has been one of the happiest travel experiences I’ve ever had,” Ammar, who has traveled the world, shared with Yes Theory’s audience during a dinner party.
Steffan agreed, noting that Lithuania is certainly one of the most open, generous, and kind countries he has ever visited.
The video by the Canadian travelers has attracted nearly one million views and comments just days after being posted. One person who had studied in Vilnius on an exchange program shared that their time in Lithuania was the happiest of their life. “Thank you, Lithuania, for welcoming me,” they said.
“Love, creativity, and kindness can help us overcome dark pasts, turn negativity into light, and help others,” expressed a local after watching Ammar and Steffan’s video.
