4. Switzerland
Switzerland, which slipped one rank this year, is a country where everything is decided by referendum, from how many vacation days workers should have to how many immigrants should be allowed in, and referendums are held on a regular basis at the municipal level. Because of this direct democracy structure, Swiss residents have an unrivaled sense of involvement in the development of their country. The Swiss have a reputation for being closed off, which can be off-putting to first-time visitors, but there is a strong social fabric kept together by the concept that everyone’s voice matters, which can go a long way toward making one feel pleased.
The Swiss are never far from a quiet hideaway in the mountains or an exquisite getaway by the water, with the magnificent Alps encompassing over 60% of the country and access to over 1,500 lakes.
