If you want to be happy, you should go to Finland. Why? Because it has topped the global happiness ranking for the second year in a row. It beat its Nordic peers — Denmark, Norway and Iceland to grab the first place.
The report was released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations, on March 20, which was declared as World Happiness Day by the UN General Assembly in 2012. The results are based on an average of three years of surveys taken by Gallup between 2016 and 2018. The study includes factors such as gross domestic product, social support from friends and family, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, perceived corruption and recent emotions — both happy and sad.
Ranking
The U.S. dropped one place to become the 19th happiest place, while India dropped to 140th, below countries like Pakistan, Uganda and Ethiopia. People in war-torn South Sudan are the most unhappy with their lives, followed by Central African Republic (155), Afghanistan (154), Tanzania (153) and Rwanda (152). While Pakistan is ranked 67, Bangladesh 125 and China at 93.
Why is this study deemed necessary? For one, this information gives the world’s governments and individuals a chance to rethink public policies and individual life choices to raise happiness and well-being. In this period of rising tensions and negative emotions, these findings can point to underlying challenges that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The report says the large gaps in happiness between countries will continue to create pressure to migrate. Further, the report also noted that there has been an increase in negative emotions, including worry, sadness and anger.
