The BBC just released its 2025 “Happiest Cities” list, naming Copenhagen, Zurich, and Singapore the world’s best. 

Sure, they’ve got bike lanes, clean streets, and fancy public transportation.

But let’s be real: happiness isn’t just about green spaces—it’s about freedom, affordability, and a government that doesn’t treat you like a cash cow.

Most of these “happy” cities are located in some of the world’s most expensive countries.

So are these super expensive cities really full of “happy” people?

Behind the headlines lie some grim truths…

Denmark’s got one of the highest antidepressant use rates in the world, with over 7% of adults popping pills to cope.

Switzerland’s suicide rate is among Europe’s worst, with thousands taking their lives yearly. 

Both Switzerland and Denmark alone are facing the challenges of a shrinking population, which is beginning to mirror the negative economic forecasts of other Western nations with falling birth rates.

And don’t get me started on the taxes…

By the way, a coffee in Copenhagen costs $10, and Zurich’s rent can eat up 50% of your income. 

Let’s not let Singapore off the hook. A family of four can expect estimated monthly expenses of $4,000 USD, not exactly cheap compared to many popular expat destinations in, say, Latin America. 

When you look at the big picture of life in these nations, for many, it’s not a “cost of living”, it’s a cost of surviving. 

Happiness is something deeply personal, and I am not going to say that one can’t find happiness in a relative sense almost anywhere in the world, including the nations mentioned in this BBC list. 

But when it comes to what makes me happy – nice weather, keeping my hard-earned income, and a government that isn’t actively trying to run me out or kill me, nothing can top what I have found here in Panama. 

I have lived in Panama for roughly six years now, and having travelled throughout this region, I can say that Latin America is full of the happiest people I have ever met. 

Latin America offers warm climates, relatively low cost of living, and many freedom-respecting governments. 

Whether it’s Panama’s dollarized economy and zero tax on foreign income, Paraguay’s business-friendly environment or Colombia’s vibrant low-cost lifestyle, plenty of people are finding “happiness” without breaking the bank. 

And they aren’t in line for antidepressants or committing suicide in droves. 

If you want to live in one of the BBC’s “happiest cities on Earth”, be my guest; freedom-loving expats actively seek greener pastures. 

Are you one of them? Click here and let's find out. 

Speak soon,

Mikkel

PS. If you’re looking for greater freedom, a lower cost of living, and a little adventure, join us in Paraguay for our next Luxury Exploration and Investment Tour from September 14-21. This is a great opportunity to consider making this beautiful nation part of your Plan-B as well as meeting other freedom-minded people like yourself. Secure your spot today.

Enjoying this email Newsletter? Feel free to forward it and share it with your friends and family to subscribe. The more good, like-minded people we have in our community, the stronger we will be!

No advice: This newsletter, EMS Pulse®, contains information about going offshore and being an expat. The information is not advice and should not be treated as advice. You must not rely on the information in the newsletter as an alternative to legal, financial, or tax advice from an appropriately licensed professional. If you have any specific questions about any such matter, you should consult an appropriately licensed professional. You should never delay seeking legal advice, disregard legal advice, or commence or discontinue any legal action because of information in the EMS Pulse® newsletter or in our work at Expat Money®. Limited warranties: Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the information in the newsletter is correct, we do not warrant or represent its completeness or accuracy. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions relating to this newsletter or our work at Expat Money®. We will not be held liable for any decisions you decide to make as the consumer of this content. Law and jurisdiction: This disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Panama Law. Any disputes relating to this disclaimer shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Panama. This message is sent to you because your email address is on our subscribers' list. If you are not interested in receiving more emails like this one, just hit unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.