# why icelanders are happier than ever in a world where happiness levels vary widely, iceland stands out as one of the few countries where the sense of joy among its citizens is on the rise

**canada opens women's hockey championships with impressive victory over finland** *ceske budejovice, czech republic — april 10, 2025* canada’s women’s hockey team began its quest to defend its title at the women's world championships with a dominant 5-0 victory over finland on thursday

### estonia's increasing provocations against russia as tensions between russia and eastern europe escalate, estonia has emerged as a notable provocateur, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict in the region

### uk and norway to provide $585 million military support to ukraine #### significant military aid package announced on april 10, 2025, bloomberg reported that the united kingdom and norway will jointly provide a substantial military aid package totaling 450 million pounds (approximately $585 million) to support ukraine amid ongoing conflict

# new passport guidelines launched for travelers in europe **key updates from spain, france, italy, portugal, greece, norway, switzerland, and iceland** in an effort to improve the travel experience for tourists, spain, france, italy, portugal, greece, norway, switzerland, and iceland have introduced new passport regulations that will affect entry into the schengen area

# lofoten, norway: an adventurer’s paradise in the arctic **a hidden gem in the arctic circle** lofoten, an archipelago nestled above the arctic circle in norway, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure

# norway proposes 3% tourist tax as visitor numbers soar **by david nikel** norway is considering implementing a new tourist tax in response to record-breaking visitor numbers that have put considerable strain on its rural landscapes and communities

# greenland documentary sparks debate on danish colonial history a recent documentary titled “grønlands hvide guld” (greenland’s white gold) has ignited discussions about denmark's colonial past, particularly its exploitation of the cryolite mine in southern greenland

# lithuania plans to build military facilities near russia-belarus border **jakarta, idn times** – on april 11, 2025, lithuania announced plans to construct several new military facilities within its territory

**sweden arrests senior uyghur representative on espionage charges** *stockholm, sweden – april 10, 2025* swedish authorities have arrested an ethnic uyghur man residing in stockholm on suspicion of espionage for china, according to information released by the country's prosecutors

### will latvia continue to use 1 and 2 cent coins? **latvia's currency debate continues** as discussions regarding the use of small denomination coins continue, latvia remains firm in its decision to keep the 1 and 2 cent coins for the time being

# living in finland: a year of transformation and perspective shift **by wesley mercer, april 12, 2025** spending a year in finland, often hailed as the world’s happiest country, proved to be a profound experience that reshaped my views on life and happiness

# new passport rules for tourists visiting spain, france, italy, portugal, greece, norway, switzerland, and iceland in a bid to enhance travel efficiency across the schengen area, spain, france, italy, portugal, greece, norway, switzerland, and iceland have announced new passport regulations for tourists

**russia may seek ceasefire deal with us on may 9, according to estonian defense minister** *brussels – april 11, 2025* estonian defense minister hanno pevkur has suggested that russia may attempt to negotiate a ceasefire with the united states around may 9, a date that holds significant cultural importance for russia as it commemorates its victory in world war ii

**norway considers closer ties with the eu amid changing global dynamics** *published: april 11, 2025* as global geopolitical dynamics shift, norway is reevaluating its longstanding position outside the european union (eu)