The World Happiness Report is an annual report created by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It measures the happiness levels of people in countries all over the world.

The report uses a complex set of criteria to determine a country’s overall happiness score, including measures of social support, GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

The report analyzes data from surveys taken by people living in each country, asking them to rate their own level of happiness on a scale of 0 to 10. The report also takes into account factors such as income, health, and education.

The Top 5 Happiest Countries in the World

Over the years, the top-ranking countries in the World Happiness Report have remained relatively consistent. For the 2020 report, Finland came out on top for the third year in a row, followed by Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway.

These countries are all known for their high standards of living, strong social support networks, and low levels of corruption. Finland, for example, has been praised for its excellent education system and social safety net, which provides citizens with universal healthcare and other benefits.

Where Does Your Country Rank?

While the top-ranking countries in the World Happiness Report tend to be consistently happy year after year, there can be significant changes in the rankings of other countries from year to year.

In the 2020 report, the United States dropped one spot from the previous year, coming in at number 18. The UK remained at number 13, while Canada moved up one spot to number 11.

Other countries saw more dramatic changes in their rankings. Ukraine, for example, saw the largest jump in its ranking, moving up from number 120 in 2019 to number 62 in 2020.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, saw the largest drop in its ranking, falling from number 154 to number 163. This is likely due to continued conflict and instability in the country.

Why Do Some Countries Rank Higher Than Others?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a country’s happiness ranking. One of the most important factors is social support.

Countries with strong social support networks, such as Finland and Denmark, tend to have higher levels of happiness. This is because people in these countries feel like they can rely on others for help and support when they need it the most.

Another important factor is income and standard of living. Countries with high levels of GDP per capita tend to rank higher in terms of happiness, as people in these countries have the resources they need to live comfortable, fulfilling lives.

However, researchers note that there is a threshold beyond which income does not contribute significantly to overall happiness. Once a certain level of income is reached, other factors, such as social support and personal relationships, become more important.

Other factors that can contribute to a country’s happiness ranking include freedom to make life choices, perceptions of corruption, and health and education.

Countries where people feel like they have the freedom to make their own life choices tend to have higher levels of happiness, as do countries with low levels of corruption.

What Can We Learn From the World Happiness Report?

The World Happiness Report provides important insights into what makes people happy in different parts of the world.

By understanding the factors that contribute to happiness, policymakers and individuals alike can work to create environments that promote well-being and fulfillment.

For example, the report suggests that investing in education and social welfare programs can have a significant impact on happiness levels.

By providing people with the tools they need to succeed, such as education and access to healthcare, we can help to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

At the same time, the report also highlights the importance of personal relationships and social support networks.

By prioritizing our relationships with others and working to build strong communities, we can create a sense of belonging and connection that is essential for happiness and well-being.

Conclusion

The World Happiness Report provides a fascinating look at the factors that contribute to happiness around the world.

While some of the rankings may come as a surprise, the overall trends are clear: countries with strong social support networks, low levels of corruption, and high standards of living tend to be the happiest. By understanding what makes people happy, we can work to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.