The Nordic countries have once again dominated the top spots in the World Happiness Report, as per the findings of Canadian economist John F. Helliwell, Richard Layard, Jeffrey Sachs, Jan Emmanuel De Neve, Lara B. Aknin, & Shun Wang. Published recently, the report underscores the sustained happiness levels in these nations.

2024 World Happiness Index

India maintained its position at 126, the same as the previous year. In this annual UN-sponsored assessment, the Nordic countries retained their positions among the top 10 happiest nations, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel securing the top five spots.

Despite facing a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Taliban’s control since 2020, Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the rankings among the 143 countries surveyed. Notably, for the first time in over a decade, both the United States and Germany failed to secure a place among the top 20 happiest nations. The US trailed at the 23rd spot, while Germany followed closely behind at the 24th position.

Costa Rica and Kuwait emerged as notable entrants into the top 20 list, with Costa Rica securing the 12th spot and Kuwait the 13th respectively. Their inclusion reflects evolving happiness trends on a global scale.

The latest report reaffirms the enduring significance of factors such as social support, healthcare, education, and governance in determining national happiness levels. It also sheds light on the diverse challenges faced by nations worldwide, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address underlying issues affecting well-being.

As the pursuit of happiness continues to be a priority for nations worldwide, the insights from the World Happiness Report serve as a valuable guide for policymakers and stakeholders in fostering greater happiness and well-being among their populations.

In a world often fraught with challenges, there exists an enduring quest for happiness. The latest findings from the annual UN-sponsored World Happiness Report highlight a remarkable consistency: Finland, for the seventh consecutive year, has clinched the title of the world’s happiest country.

This Nordic nation’s success can be attributed to a unique blend of factors, including a strong welfare society, trust in government institutions, and robust healthcare and education systems. However, what truly sets Finland apart, according to happiness researcher Jennifer de Peola, is its close connection to nature and a healthy work-life balance.

While Finland revels in its happiness, the global landscape presents a more varied story. India, for instance, maintains its position at 126th on the happiness index, reflecting persistent challenges. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, grappling with a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by recent political turmoil instigated by the Taliban.

Surprisingly, some traditional powerhouses of prosperity, like the United States and Germany, find themselves outside the top 20 happiest nations for the first time. Instead, countries like Costa Rica and Kuwait make notable entries into this elite club.

What’s striking is the shifting demographics of happiness. The report reveals a generational divide, with younger cohorts generally happier than their elders. Yet in regions like North America and Australasia, the happiness of the youth has sharply declined over the years, signaling broader societal shifts. Moreover, happiness inequality is on the rise globally, except in Europe. This alarming trend underscores deep-rooted disparities in income, education, healthcare, and social support systems.

Addressing these inequalities is pivotal for fostering a happier world. The report notes that the happiest countries no longer include any of the world’s largest countries in the top 10. Only the Netherlands and Australia have populations over 15 million in the entire top 20, while only Canada and the UK have populations of over 30 million. The sharpest decline in happiness since 2006 to 2010 was noted in Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Jordan, while Eastern European countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, and Latvia reported the biggest increase.

The happiness ranking is based on individual self-assessed evaluations of life satisfaction, as well as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption. As we delve into the nuances of this year’s World Happiness Report, it prompts us to reflect on what truly matters for our collective well-being.

From the serene landscapes of Finland to the challenges faced by nations in turmoil, the pursuit of happiness remains an ever-evolving journey for humanity. It’s a journey marked by resilience, compassion, and a shared commitment to building a more equitable and joyful world for all.