It's been more than 10 years since the first-ever World Happiness Report was released in 2012. Since then, the United Nations has released an annual ranking of the world's happiest countries – the places where the populations are, on average, more content than in other destinations. In that time, many nations have gone through a multi-year pandemic, natural disasters and wars – but the UN and governments across the globe remain committed to finding out what, exactly, makes people happier so they can develop policies to increase well-being.
This research, released on Monday 20 March 2023 (which is also World Happiness Day), takes into account six key factors that impact happiness: social support, income, health, freedom,
generosity, and the absence of corruption. It also investigates the distribution of happiness within countries (spoiler alert: countries where the “happiness gap” is smaller – where the population has a similar experience of and access to the six factors listed above – tend to be happier overall).
What is the happiest country in the world?
Once again, Finland has come out on top as the happiest country in the world – for the sixth year running.
Is the UK on the list of the happiest countries?
The UK is not in the top 10 of the happiest countries in the world. It does, however, appear in the top 20 – this year, it is the 19th happiest country in the world, following behind Australia (12th), Canada (13th), Ireland (14th), and the United States (15th).
How does the study work?
Below, we talk about lots of the factors that might explain the variation in self-reported happiness between countries globally. The World Happiness Report doesn't construct its list based on these factors and measures – rather, the people polled provide self-assessments of their own lives by placing themselves on the Cantril Scale. This is basically assessing where you would put yourself on a ladder of self-satisfaction – the top of the ladder, or 10, would be the happiest you can be, while the bottom of the ladder, or 0, would be the least happy you can be.
The World Happiness Report then measures and investigates a number of factors that could correlate with the variations in the average happiness of each country's population, which we discuss below.
Keep reading for more about the top 10 happiest countries in the world.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of happiness studies, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and expertise to shed light on the World Happiness Report and its implications. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of happiness research and have delved into the intricacies of the factors that contribute to the well-being of individuals and nations.
The World Happiness Report, initiated in 2012 by the United Nations, has become a cornerstone in understanding global happiness trends. The evidence supporting its credibility lies in the meticulous annual rankings and analyses that have persisted through times of significant global challenges, such as pandemics, natural disasters, and conflicts. The commitment of the UN and governments worldwide to uncover the keys to happiness underscores the importance of this ongoing research.
The latest report, released on March 20, 2023, encompasses a comprehensive examination of six pivotal factors influencing happiness: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and the absence of corruption. The emphasis on these factors reflects a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of happiness and the need for a holistic approach in policymaking.
The groundbreaking aspect of this research lies in its exploration of the distribution of happiness within countries. The revelation that countries with smaller "happiness gaps" – where the population shares a similar experience of and access to the key factors – tend to exhibit higher overall happiness levels is a testament to the depth of the analysis conducted.
Finland's consistent reign as the happiest country for the sixth consecutive year underscores the country's success in fostering conditions conducive to well-being. The UK, while not making it to the top 10, secures the 19th position in the global happiness ranking. This nuanced information allows us to compare and contrast with other nations like Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United States, providing valuable insights into the relative happiness of different populations.
The methodology employed by the World Happiness Report is notable for its reliance on self-reported assessments using the Cantril Scale. This scale, where individuals place themselves on a ladder of self-satisfaction, provides a unique and direct insight into personal perceptions of happiness. The focus on subjective well-being allows for a more nuanced understanding of happiness beyond objective indicators.
In conclusion, the World Happiness Report stands as a beacon in the realm of positive psychology and social science. Its enduring impact, coupled with the depth of analysis and commitment to understanding the nuances of happiness, makes it a crucial resource for policymakers, researchers, and individuals seeking to comprehend and enhance the well-being of societies worldwide.
