Today is another great day for Finland as they have clinched the top spot in the annual World Happiness Report for the 8th year in a row. The report, released on the UN’s International Day of Happiness, evaluates the quality of life as rated by residents of over 140 countries. Finns scored an impressive average of 7.74 out of 10, with factors such as wealth, health, social connections, and a bond with nature contributing to their contentment.
Following Finland in the rankings are Denmark (2nd), Iceland (3rd), Sweden (4th), and the Netherlands (5th). Notably, Mexico (10th) and Costa Rica (6th) made their debut in the top 10 this year. In contrast, the United States dropped to its lowest position at 24th. The Nordic countries continue to rank high in happiness, while the U.S. is experiencing a decline in happiness levels.
The report highlights the impact of factors such as GDP per capita, wealth distribution, and life expectancy on happiness. Social trust and connections play a crucial role in determining happiness, with a strong correlation between belief in the kindness of others and personal happiness identified. Building a sense of community through shared activities like communal meals enhances social trust and overall happiness.
Mexico and Costa Rica’s inclusion in the top 10 is attributed to their strong social networks and trust. These Latin American countries have a culture of shared meals and high social connectedness, contributing to their well-being. The report emphasizes the importance of social bonds in promoting happiness and well-being, with Nordic countries excelling in fostering trust and kindness among individuals.
“Due to their high GDP and the longest life expectancy,” De Neve explains about these two nations. “They prioritize social interactions, such as dining with others and spending time with friends, without being consumed by social media, which is reflected in the data we collected.” The annual report is produced by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with partners like Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an unpaid editorial board that conducts analysis of the results.
As De Neve delved into the reasons behind Finland’s continued happiness ranking, he uncovered something that set them apart even from their neighboring Nordic countries. “They find contentment in simplicity,” he notes. “Having less doesn’t diminish their happiness; in fact, they derive more satisfaction from what they have.” The following are the world’s top 25 happiest countries: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico.
To learn more about happiness, explore the findings of a long-term study tracking over 700 individuals since 1938 to unlock the secrets of happiness. Recent reports also demonstrate that Americans serve as evidence that money doesn’t guarantee happiness. Additionally, you can enroll in a course that teaches techniques for increasing happiness in just one week. This article was originally published on Fortune.com.
