India has made a slight improvement in the World Happiness Report, moving from 126th to 118th out of 147 countries. This report gives us intriguing insights into how happiness is defined and measured across the globe.
This year’s report focused on the idea that caring and sharing can enhance happiness. Released on March 20, coinciding with the United Nations’ World Happiness Day, it explored how both giving and receiving support can impact our overall well-being. Researchers even conducted an experiment where they dropped wallets in various cities around the world to see how often people would return them. The results were surprisingly positive, showcasing a spirit of honesty and optimism in many countries.
Nordic nations continue to top the happiness charts, with Finland holding the number one spot for eight years in a row. Following Finland are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway, while Costa Rica and Mexico made their debut in the top ten. In Asia, Taiwan is the happiest, ranking at 27th.
A notable trend from this year’s report is that major industrialized nations like the U.S., China, and Japan fell out of the top 20. For the first time since the report began in 2012, these countries ranked 24th, 68th, and 55th, respectively. Overall, many Western industrialized nations have reported lower happiness levels compared to a decade ago. A considerable number of these countries have seen declines, especially the U.S., Canada, and Switzerland, indicating a troubling trend for their citizens.
But how do these rankings come together? The happiness score is determined through self-evaluations where respondents rate their lives on a scale of 0 to 10, known as the Cantril ladder. This survey also looks at emotions—both positive and negative—that respondents felt the day before and considers factors like GDP per capita, social support, and levels of corruption.
India’s position at 118th is particularly striking when compared to countries facing significant challenges. It ranks below Ukraine and Palestine, which are currently experiencing conflict. In terms of social support and GDP per capita, India struggles significantly, ranking 128th and 93rd, respectively. Although the Indian population shows generosity and optimism regarding personal freedoms, there is a notable lack of social support and economic strength.
Interestingly, despite challenges, nations like Mexico and Guatemala rank higher than industrial giants. This raises questions about the subjective nature of happiness. People in these countries may feel a sense of community and resilience, allowing them to find joy amid adversity. In contrast, countries like South Korea and Japan, known for their economic power, struggle with high levels of stress and mental health issues, indicating that material wealth does not always translate to happiness.
As we reflect on these findings, it’s clear that happiness is a complex, subjective experience shaped by numerous factors. What makes one person content may differ greatly from another, depending on their context and circumstances.
For more detailed insights, you can explore the World Happiness Report here.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Brain Health: How New Research Links Aging and Quality of Life to Cognitive Vitality
Source linkLife, lifestyle, World Happiness Report, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, GDP
