Finland declared the happiest country for the sixth consecutive time
Finland maintained its position as the country with the happiest population for the sixth consecutive year, according to the World Happiness Report released on Monday.
The report, compiled by scientists across the United States and based on polls from the Gallup Institute, asks a nationally representative sample of people how satisfied they are with their lives.
Along with the Finns, Denmark and Iceland rounded out the top three happy countries.
Israel climbed five spots to fourth this year, with the Netherlands fifth. Other countries in the top ten include Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg and New Zealand.
Germany, however, dropped two places from last year, to 16th place.
The United States, United Kingdom and France ranked 15th, 19th and 21st respectively.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan and Lebanon remained the two unhappiest countries in the survey.
The report emphasized that significant differences in country rankings for life assessments were seen only at the extremes, as in the case of Finland at the top and Afghanistan and Lebanon at the bottom.
Everyone entitled to basic human rights
The report identified factors that contribute to supporting life assessments – including “income, health, having someone to rely on, feeling free to make important life decisions, generosity and absence of corruption”.
Mental health was highlighted as a key component of subjective well-being and “a risk factor for future physical health and longevity”.
The report emphasized that everyone is entitled to basic human rights without discrimination, including the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to work and education.
In July 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, which promotes the idea that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal”.
Source: DW
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