Original Air Date:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Guests:
Oprah welcomed guests from the following cities:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Tokyo, Japan
Show Summary:
Where are the happiest people in the world and how do they live their lives differently than Americans? Oprah's camera traveled to five different cities to see how people live around the world, including: Copenhagen, Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai and Tokyo. The majority of the show was spent on footage and conversation with women in Copenhagen, Denmark where the happiest people in the world live.
Special Highlights:
This episode featured the following highlights:
- In Copenhagen, it is not taboo to never marry, locals are environmentally friendly and often ride bikes, poverty and homeless rates are very low, mothers receive a year of maternity leave, students are paid to go to college, and residents are offered free health care and the country is so safe, babies can be left outside to sleep. The country has up to a 60% income tax for the wealthiest, but citizens are ok with that because of the services provided.
- Copenhagen homes are small with modern lines and minimal belongings.
- Citizens in Copenhagen don't focus as much on institutions of marriage or religion, but on humanity, values, and family balance.
- Dubai residents spend a great deal of time with extended family, have free health care, electricity, water and no income tax.
- Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. People in Brazil live a life similar to Americans with contrasting classes, a number of people living in poverty, and security issues.
- In the 2000 year old city of Istanbul, Turkey, most women stop working in their early 30s to focus on family.
- Tokyo women often live in small homes, customarily take off their shoes, and often stay home to raise their children, though it is common for employees to work very long hours.
What to Take Away from the Show:
Watching this episode gave a window into life around the world to see how making changes to American society may impact citizens for better or worse. Many of the cities offered free health care to its residents and a greater focus on having time to spend with family which seemed to reduce the fear and increase happiness. While cultures and values differ around the world, it was interesting to see how the lives of women compare to American lifestyle and how potential changes we could make could increase our own happiness.
