The Index of Happiness: Measuring Well-Being Around the World
Happiness is a complex and elusive concept, yet it’s something we all strive for. But how do we measure it on a national scale?
The World Happiness Report, released annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, attempts to do just that.
The report ranks 146 countries based on their citizens’ self-reported levels of happiness. It uses a variety of factors, including:
- Income: Higher income levels are generally associated with greater happiness, but there’s a diminishing return after a certain point.
- Social support: Having strong social connections is a major predictor of happiness.
- Life expectancy: A longer life expectancy generally means more time to experience happiness.
- Freedom: Freedom of choice, expression, and belief are all important for well-being.
- Generosity: Societies with high levels of trust and cooperation tend to be happier.
- Equality: Income inequality and social injustice can both drag down happiness levels.
Top Ranking of Happiness Country in the World
The 2023 World Happiness Report, which used data from 2020-2022, saw Finland retain its top spot for the fifth year in a row.
Here are the top 10 happiest countries:
- Finland
2. Denmark - Iceland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Sweden
- Norway
- Israel