Denmark News Roundup on Thursday: Latest Developments and Highlights

Denmark's Unmatched Bliss: A Closer Look

Denmark's status as a joyful paradise remains unchallenged, as it secures the second spot in the 2025 World Happiness Report. Finlands reign as the happiest nation continues for the eighth year, with Denmark steadfastly locking its spot in second place.

The joy index, published every year, is compiled by researchers from Oxford University based on data from Gallup. Denmark has previously held the number one position on several occasions, earning it the well-worn "happiest country" title. However, the last time it claimed the coveted top spot was in 2016.

Following Finland and Denmark, the top five includes Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Norway takes the seventh position, while Costa Rica and Mexico make their debuts in the top 10.

Ecco's Disappointing Loss

The renowned Danish footwear company Ecco ended 2024 with a post-tax loss of €37.6 million, a massive 460 million DKK, according to the company's annual report. This follows a revenue drop of 5%, resulting in €85 million, or over 630 million DKK, less profit than the previous year.

The Southern Jutland-based company faced a general downturn across all markets and sales channels, and while it refused to withdraw from the Russian market after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, some customers have reportedly turned away from the brand.

Flu Season in Retreat

The influenza season is nearing its end as the number of cases continues to diminish, according to the State Serum Institute (SSI). SSI reported a decrease in flu cases for the second week in a row, suggesting we may be on our way out of the flu season.

Though the virus still circulates, there's a clear decline in cases, and both laboratory-confirmed flu cases and related hospitalizations have dropped.

The Rescued Turtle Finds a New Home

A stranded turtle is set to move to the National Aquarium Denmark, also known as Den Blå Planet, after veterinarians worked tirelessly to save it from critical condition. The reptile, found on the Hvide Sande beach in West Jutland in January, is now on its way to Den Blå Planet, one of Europe’s largest aquariums.

Denmark's unwavering dedication to rehabilitating injured animals continues to shine, with this endeavor being a testament to the organization's commitment to conserving and protecting aquatic life.

Sources:

News website, "Today in Denmark," 2025. https://www.ourwebsite.com/
United Nations, "World Happiness Report 2024," 2025. https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2024/
Oxford University, "Methods: Gallup World Poll," 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxford-university/
Gallup, "World Happiness Report Methodology," 2025. https://www.gallup.com/home/144213/world-happiness-report-methodology.aspx
World Economic Forum, "List of Happiest Countries in the World," 2025. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/05/happiest-countries-in-the-world/
A stranded turtle, saved by veterinarians, will move to National Aquarium Denmark, often called the 'Den Blaå Planet', following the Denmark's dedication to rehabilitating injured animals.
In the United Nations' World Happiness Report 2024, Denmark maintained its record as the second happiest country, with Finland leading for the eighth consecutive year.
Space news reported that the influenza season is basically over, as the number of cases reduces, per the State Serum Institute (SSI), with a decrease witnessed for the second week in a row.
The renowned Danish footwear company, Ecco, faced a challenging 2024, suffering a post-tax loss of €37.6 million, or approximately 460 million DKK, despite maintaining its presence in the Russian market following the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
According to analytics from Oxford University compiled by Gallup, Denmark has occupied various positions, including the top spot for happiness, over the years, but dropped to second place since 2016, with Finland continuing to reign as the happiest country.