Top 10 happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report has been evaluating countries for the past ten years to identify the factors that contribute to their citizens’ contentment. Despite challenges like pandemics or natural disasters, governments are exploring ways to promote happiness through effective policies. The aim is to create a more positive world for everyone. The report has consistently recognized Finland as the happiest country for seven consecutive years. However, this year, a new leader has emerged. COVID-19 has not hindered efforts to understand which countries promote happiness the most.

Finland has been again voted 1st rank in the happiest countries in the world 2024 stats for the sixth consecutive year, the World Happiness Report 2023 has found.

India’s rank has certainly not improved from 125 to 128 but the country still ranks below its neighbors like Nepal, China, Bangladesh, etc.

At the very bottom of the list is Afghanistan at No. 137. Lebanon is one rank above at No. 136. These two are saddest country in the world.

World happiness Report.

Overview of Happiest Countries in the World

Happiness is a commodity that we all strive for, but what exactly makes us truly content? This research, released on Monday 20 March 2024 (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.

Though 2020 has brought its share of crises across nations throughout this world – global life satisfaction remains at pre-pandemic years! Additionally intriguing was finding out where the happiness gap persists within borders – with those places featuring similar experiences when it comes to these 6 determinants usually reporting high levels overall. So if you’re seeking utopia on Earth – look no further than here!

Finland wins the hearts of people around the world with its stunning scenery, commitment to sustainable living, and deep connection to nature. Those qualities are certainly something we can all learn from; here you’ll also find scrumptious local cuisine that celebrates seasonal ingredients like nowhere else on earth. Denmark and Iceland come second and third in this list of top destinations for a happy life, while Israel & Netherlands bring up the rear at fourth and fifth place respectively. If ever there was an invitation to explore these beautiful lands – it’s now!

How does the study work?

The World Happiness Report has revealed some interesting insights into the levels of global contentment. People all over the world were asked to rate their level of life satisfaction using a Cantril Scale – essentially, they had to place themselves on a ladder between 0 (the lowest happiness rating) and 10 (the highest). By understanding people’s self-assessments, we can conclude that there are numerous factors that influence our collective sense of joy around the globe.

Also Read: TIME magazine’s list of the World’s Best Places to visit in 2023

The 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.

Here is the list of top 10 happiest countries in the world

The top 10 happiest countries, led by Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, have remained largely unchanged since the 2023 findings.

The top 10 happiest countries—led by Finland, Denmark, and Iceland—have remained largely unchanged since 2023’s findings.Search:

Rank	Country	Region	Average Happiness Score (2021–2023)
1	Finland	Europe	7.7
2	Denmark	Europe	7.6
3	Iceland	Europe	7.5
4	Sweden	Europe	7.3
5	Israel	Middle East	7.3
6	Netherlands	Europe	7.3
7	Norway	Europe	7.3
8	Luxembourg	Europe	7.1
9	Switzerland	Europe	7.1
10	Australia	Oceania	7.1
11	New Zealand	Oceania	7.0
12	Costa Rica	Central America	7.0
13	Kuwait	Middle East	7.0
14	Austria	Europe	6.9
15	Canada	North America	6.9
16	Belgium	Europe	6.9
17	Ireland	Europe	6.8
18	Czechia	Europe	6.8
19	Lithuania	Europe	6.8
20	UK	Europe	6.7
21	Slovenia	Europe	6.7
22	UAE	Middle East	6.7
23	U.S.	North America	6.7
24	Germany	Europe	6.7
25	Mexico	North America	6.7
26	Uruguay	South America	6.6
27	France	Europe	6.6
28	Saudi Arabia	Middle East	6.6
29	Kosovo	Europe	6.6
30	Singapore	Asia	6.5

Let’s have a details look at top 10 happiest countries

10. Australia

Instead of measuring wealth and material possessions, the Happiness Report investigated an often overlooked factor: corruption. It was found that countries, where their citizens have confidence in public institutions, are overall happier than those in places with less trustworthiness between their inhabitants and government officials. This is yet another reminder to us all how essential it is for a healthy society! Australia consistently ranks highly in international rankings of trust in public services; the 2022 Corruption Perceptions study ranks Australia as joint-second in the world when it comes to institutional trust – one of the factors that might place this country in the top 10 yet again.

9. Luxembourg

People often say money can’t buy happiness, and while there’s certainly some truth to that statement, it does seem like having an adequate income goes a long way toward creating contentment. Luxembourg is proof of this fact – its impressive average household incomes are a testament to how financial security impacts mental well-being.

8. Switzerland

From world-renowned educational standards to generous salaries and health care benefits, Switzerland is a leader in quality of life. Life expectancy there stands at an enviable 84+ years – putting it amongst the top countries for longevity! Whether you’re looking for a new place to call home or just curious about what makes the Swiss so special, this Alpine nation offers plenty of reasons why living here can be so great!

7. Norway

Aristotle’s concepts have stood the test of time, with his idea of eudaimonia still applicable today, according to modern research outlined in the World Happiness Report. Eudaimonia involves ‘the activity of the soul according to virtue’, meaning countries, where people exhibit qualities such as justice and friendship, are likely more content than those without these values embedded in society. And while we all want a world full of happiness around us, it turns out our own state of mind can often depend on how many virtuous individuals surround us – so proactivity is key when looking for that inner joy!

6. Sweden

Sweden is one of the happiest countries in the world, yet it still falls second to its Nordic neighbors. During these unprecedented times with Covid-19, this nation paved an unusual pathway – instead of suppressing community transmission like their fellow Nordics did early on in the pandemic season, they chose not to and unfortunately paid a big price for it as fatalities rose significantly higher than expected.

5. The Netherlands

With state effectiveness playing a critical role in determining the life satisfaction of citizens, it’s no surprise that many consider the Netherlands to be one of the happiest countries on Earth. The Dutch government delivers an array of services and benefits designed to maximize its people’s happiness levels – three points higher than those living in weak states! This helps explain why their success as common-interest states continues year after year – proof positive that with an effective policy, you really can make your country a better place for all.

4. Israel

Israel is 5 places up from last year’s study, where it ranked 9th, to take 4th place this time. According to the OECD, Israel outperforms many other countries when it comes to health, social connections, and life satisfaction.

3. Iceland

From the icy tundra of Iceland to Sweden’s picturesque landscape, experience true bliss and camaraderie with a visit to one of the Nordic nations. Ranked as some of the happiest places in the world due largely in part to their commitment towards equality, these countries make for an extraordinary journey that will leave you feeling fulfilled both inside and out!

2. Denmark

Although Denmark’s tax rates are amongst some of the highest in the world, this paves way for its population to enjoy access to top-notch public services. That may explain why year upon year, citizens of “the happiest country on Earth” remain content and satisfied – after all their hard work they can more than reap what they sow! The Nordic countries continue to lead as demonstrated by a recent report that highlights how Denmark is positioning itself firmly at second place – the same rank it held last year.

1. Finland

Finland shines again! For the sixth year in a row, this northern European nation has emerged as our globe’s happiest country after researchers factored in generosity and willingness to help strangers. Increased income, freedom of choice, and expectancy only added fuel to their success – nothing beats feeling ‘the Finnish way’!

Why does India rank so low?

There are many reasons for India’s “chronic unhappiness”.  The rich are becoming richer and the poor are poorer. Rapid urbanization, increased congestion in the cities, rise in pollution, the rising cost of health care, rise in crime against women and minorities, etc. are some prominent factors leading to unhappiness among Indians.

India has a low score when it comes to ‘GDP per capita’, ‘Social Support’, and ‘Health Life expectancy’. The prime reason for this is the rise in the country’s population. Further, it is disappointing to know that in a country where we take great pride in social and family values, India scored low on social support.

On the positive side though, our score for “Freedom to make life choices” is remarkable.

“Changes in rankings that have taken place have been continuations of longer-term trends, such as the increases seen in the rankings of the three Baltic countries. Even during these difficult years, positive emotions have remained twice as prevalent as negative ones, and feelings of positive social support twice as strong as those of loneliness.”

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