The secret to helping this archipelago become the happiest place in the UK

Outer Hebrides Islands off the west coast of Scotland can be quite cold and gloomy because of the rain. But the people there are ranked as the happiest people in the UK. So what is their secret of happiness?

Outer Hebrides archipelago consists of many large and small islands around, population of about 26,000 people. People can use an airplane or ferry from England to get there.

And believe it, according to the annual welfare survey published by the National Bureau of Statistics (ONS), people here are ranked as the happiest people in the UK. They also ranked in the top 5 for satisfaction with life.

Residents in the Outer Hebrides are ranked as the happiest people in the UK.

Attraction from green space

Sussex University lecturer - George Mackerron - who studies the relationship between environment and happiness discovered Mappiness - an application to monitor people's happiness index.

This app was released in 2010, receiving 3.5 million responses from 65,000 people across the UK. Through data analysis, Mackerron realized that people are happier living in a natural environment.

Studies show that living near water, people will be happier.

Mackerron said: "We find that people are happier living in an environment closer to nature than in the city . Especially, when living near water, people are happier. "

As can be seen, the "green space" covers the entire Outer Hebrides, making it famous for its beauty as a fairy.

Which are the turquoise beaches with a few leisurely sunbathing sunbathing, pristine flowers swaying in the breeze, beautiful, brilliant fields right at the foot of the lighthouse.

A boat trip to Shiant Isles Island offers lots of "green spaces" for contemplation.

But it is not always natural in the Outer Hebrides to make people feel happy. The scene here is often hidden by dense rain screens, and the wind can reach 160km / h, not to mention the long and murky winter days.

So what else can keep people in Outer Hebrides happy?

It is friendship - the secret of happiness.

The Outer Hebrides Islands have many towns, but most are small and few live. As the town of Tarbert is located on the island of Harbert, the population is only about 500 people.

According to a scientific study, living in small communities can make people happy. Economist John F Helliwell, emeritus professor at the University of British Columbia, said: " Research shows that small communities have higher consciousness, higher levels of trust and more time spent with families. and friends " .

Studies show that living in smaller communities, people feel happier.

If you have the opportunity to visit the Outer Hebrides, besides enjoying the scenery, don't forget to experience the interesting social interactions here. Typically in the music festival season every year Heb Celt years. A holiday-like atmosphere fills the streets of Stornoway - the largest town in the archipelago, as locals and tourists are busy preparing for the festival.

During the annual Heb Celt festival, traditional music seems to fill the streets. So, even though it is just a tourist crossing the road, you can still feel the warmth of love spreading from the community here.

During the annual Heb Celt festival, traditional music fills Stornoway's streets.

Donald Macsween, a radio announcer on Lewis Island, said: "People - that's the factor that kept me here." - Macsween almost lived here from a young age.

Claire Macleod, who returned to the Outer Hebrides after 18 years in Scotland, said: "We have a great environment. There is a landscape here, there is a big sky, air and fresh water." .

"But for me, the best thing is that I always see the people here as a family. I always have a sense of security and being protected when living on this small island."

"It sounds romantic, but for people in the Outer Hebrides, we see this archipelago as home."

"I think the population here is more than a social community. There is always a connection between people in the Outer Hebrides. No one can deny the charm of the landscape here, but it is the friendship that makes it so. Outer Hebrides become special ".

With a close and warm relationship between people, it's no surprise that the Outer Hebrides become one of the happiest places in the UK.