COUNTRIES & HAPPINESS

Estimating a country’s happiness provides valuable insights into the well-being of its citizens. It helps governments, policymakers, and organisations understand the factors that contribute to people’s contentment and identify areas that may need improvement. These rankings can influence the allocation of resources and the development of policies that promote the overall quality of life.

Additionally, the metric offers a broader perspective on a nation’s success, moving beyond economic indicators to consider the social and emotional aspects of its population. Bhutan for example has been a pioneer in valuing happiness more than economic development. It measures the Gross National Happiness of its citizens rather than relying on economic metrics to judge the country’s prosperity. Ultimately, measuring and ranking happiness is essential for creating a more holistic and people-centred approach to societal progress.

20 happiest countries in the world in 2024:

India is currently positioned at 126th place out of 146 countries with Happiness score of 4.054, according to the World Happiness Report, classifying it as one of the world’s least joyful nations. India’s rank in the happiness index is lower than its neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and China.

This drop in happiness levels is closely linked to India’s escalating mental health crisis, which has been exacerbated by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why do some countries routinely clinch the top positions in the World Happiness Report while others fail? When you look into what sets these happiest countries in the world apart from the rest of the world, several common themes emerge:======

1. Strong social support: The happiest countries in the world have robust social support systems, which include healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits. This safety net ensures that citizens can face life’s challenges with confidence.
2. Freedom and trust: High levels of freedom and trust in government and fellow citizens contribute to a sense of security and well-being.
3. Work-life balance: Most of the happiest countries in the world prioritise work-life balance, with shorter workweeks, longer paid vacations, and family-friendly policies.
4. Connection to nature: Access to beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities often plays a role in the overall happiness of the population.
5. Equality: Low levels of income inequality and a strong sense of social equality contribute to happiness.