The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia

by Michael Booth

The Danes do seem to have an uncommon facility to get on with each other regardless of age, class, or outlook. Egality comes easily to them.

Their most radical conclusion is that inequality breeds stress among poor and rich alike; the more unequal a society, the less benefit is obtained from an individual’s wealth. The stress of inequality does not just breed envy, it is not just about coveting your neighbor’s ox/Cadillac Escalade. Inequality breeds depression, addiction, resignation, and physical symptoms including premature aging, that affect the entire population. In other words, the well-being of individuals, rich or poor, is mutually dependent.

Unfortunately, the Danes score notably badly in terms of their health. According to a recent report from the World Cancer Research Foundation, they have the highest cancer rates in the world (326 cases per 100,000 people, compared with a still relatively high 300 in the United States, in seventh place). They also have the lowest average lifespan of any of the Nordic countries, and the highest levels of alcohol consumption, ahead even of the famously boozy Finns.