Edit Document

Data is Null. This method or property cannot be called on Null values.

ID #

Type

Title

Created By

Created At

Author(s)

Keywords

Subject

Document

Dónde están los lugares felices

HAPPINESS

Is there a secret to achieving it? These are questions that have occupied philosophers and researchers from the widest range of fields for hundreds of years. It is so important that it is considered a fundamental human goal and has its own anniversary: ??the International Day of Happiness.
When is the International Day of Happiness celebrated?
The anniversary takes place on March 20 of each year. It was promulgated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to “recognize the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal aspirations of human beings and the importance of their inclusion in government policies.”
What are the 10 happiest countries in the world?
Every year the World Happiness Report is published coinciding with the celebration of the International Day. According to this list, which is the result of self-assessed life evaluations averaged during the years 2021-2023, the 10 happiest countries in the world are the following:

1. Finland.
2. Denmark.
3. Iceland.
4. Sweden.
5. Israel.
6. Netherlands.
7. Norway.
8. Luxembourg.
9. Switzerland.
10. Australia.

In the ranking of the 25 happiest nations in the world, two Latin American countries appear on the list: Costa Rica (ranked 12th) and Mexico (25th).
Which is the unhappiest country in the world?
It is worth noting that Finland tops the overall list for the seventh consecutive year. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the ranking as the "unhappiest" nation in the world.
On the other hand, Latvia (46th) and Congo (89th), with increases of 44 and 40 positions respectively between 2013 and 2024, were the nations with the greatest increases in life evaluations recorded in the survey.

Which are the happiest countries for each age group?
Another important fact is that this time the report offers separate classifications by age group. In this sense, Lithuania leads the list for children and young people under 30 years of age, while Denmark is the happiest nation in the world for those over 60 years of age.
“When comparing generations, those born before 1965 are, on average, happier than those born after 1980. Among Millennials (people born between 1981 and 1996, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica), the assessment of one's own life decreases with each year of age, while among Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964, approximately) life satisfaction increases with age,” describes the report.

As for 15- to 24-year-olds, the findings show that their well-being has declined in North America, Western Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia since 2019, but has increased in the rest of the world. However, the report acknowledges, there is a “notable global shortage of well-being data available for children under 15.”

A report to find out which are the happiest countries in the world
The World Happiness Report provides an overview of the situation in the world and “reflects the global demand for more attention to be paid to happiness and well-being as criteria for government policy,” according to the report’s website.

The report includes a ranking of happiness in different countries. That categorization, the report's website explains, is based on people's evaluation of their lives, which is measured using the Cantril Ladder, in which respondents rate their current lives on a scale of 0 to 10, where the best possible life is 10 and the worst possible life is 0. These classifications come from nationally representative samples over three years.
The document is the result of collaborative work between Gallup, the Oxford University Research Center on Well-Being, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the Report's Editorial Board.

Colombia plummets in the list of the happiest countries in the world The country ranks 78th among the 140 studied in the UN's annual happiness report
“Colombia is the happiest country in the world” is a headline repeated in the country's media. But the most recent World Happiness Report, published by the UN, shows the opposite: it is ranked 78th out of 140 countries measured, six places lower than the previous year and far from the 31st position it occupied a decade ago.


The study, created in 2012 by a team led by economist Jeffrey Sachs, is not a survey of happiness perception, like those that have been the headlines of several national media outlets. Instead, it is a study that takes the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita adjusted for purchasing power and life expectancy at birth, and combines them with five items from the Gallup global survey: having someone to count on, freedom to make life decisions, generosity measured from respondents who donate, perception of corruption, and positive and negative emotions. With all this, it builds a score that goes from 0 to 10, in which Colombia has ranged from 6.48 in the first half of the previous decade to just over 5.3 in 2023 and 2024.

When reviewing each of these indicators, Colombia's result appears especially affected by the high perception of corruption, since among 138 countries it occupies the 29th position in that item. Low generosity also plays a role, as only 19.8% of those surveyed by Gallup said they had donated to a charity in the previous month, leaving the country in 114th place out of 143.

In contrast, the life expectancy of 69 years in 2019 places the country in 39th place among 139 countries, which helps the drop not to be so noticeable. The same goes for the 22nd place in the category of positive emotions (an average of those who, when surveyed, said they had laughed or smiled a lot the previous day, those who said they had felt joy and those who had learned or done something interesting).

Experts use responses from people from more than 140 countries to classify the "happiest" places in the world.
But... What place does Latin America occupy in this ranking in 2024?
Which are the happiest countries in Latin America?
Although they are not part of the list of the 10 happiest countries in the world, some Latin American nations appear among the top 50 of the list for all ages. Costa Rica, in particular, is very close to entering the top ten.

One by one, these are the happiest countries in the region and their positions:

Costa Rica: 12th
Mexico: 25th
Uruguay: 26th
El Salvador 33rd
Chile 38th
Panama: 39th
Guatemala 42nd
Nicaragua 43rd
Brazil 44th
Argentina 48th

The list continues: Paraguay (57th), Honduras (61st), Jamaica (67th), Peru (68th), Dominican Republic (69th), Bolivia (73rd), Ecuador (74th), Colombia (78th) and Venezuela (79th). The United States drops out of the top 20

The United States (No. 23) and Germany (No. 24) dropped out of the top 20 in part due to rising happiness in other countries, especially the Czech Republic (No. 18), Lithuania (No. 19), and Slovenia (No. 21). The United Kingdom ranked 20th.

While Lithuania ranked 19th this year on the overall list, among respondents under 30 it was the happiest country in 2024. Among those over 60, Lithuania ranked 44th.

In the United States and Canada, happiness scores for those under 30 were much lower than those for those over 60. Among those under 30, the United States ranked 62nd, while among those over 60 it was 10th. Canada was 58th among young people and 8th among those over 60.


Australia and New Zealand, to a lesser extent, also ranked much lower among young people.

Helliwell said the low scores among young people in those countries were not due to less education, lower income or poorer health.
“It’s how they think about their lives. So it’s a question of mood,” he said. Helliwell attributes the decline in part to the information young people in those four English-speaking countries consume.
“They’re hearing news that makes them unhappy and they may share it and that makes them unhappy as well,” he said.
But it’s not all bad news for young people.
“Overall, globally, 15- to 24-year-olds experienced better life satisfaction between 2006 and 2019, and stable life satisfaction since then,” the report said. “But the picture varied by region. Youth well-being fell in North America, Western Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia. In the rest of the world, it rose.”
Another positive data point concerns young people: The uptick in benevolence during the pandemic among all generations was especially pronounced among young people, Helliwell said, and that has endured.
“That’s encouraging. Even though in some countries they are not very happy, they are still able and willing to perform benevolent acts for others. And that gives you hope for the future.”
Studies on happiness worldwide, particularly in Canada and the United States, have been collected in the World Happiness Report, a leading source that measures life satisfaction in different countries. This annual report, based on data collected by the Gallup World Poll, ranks countries on six key factors: social support, per capita income, health, freedom to make choices, generosity and absence of corruption. These factors, together with a subjective assessment of the lives of respondents, offer a broader view of global well-being.
Canada:
In the 2023 report, Canada is ranked 13th, moving up two places from the previous year. Canadians are remarkably resilient, maintaining high levels of personal satisfaction despite the challenges of the pandemic. According to psychologist Lara Aknin of Simon Fraser University, one of the editors of the report, prosocial behaviour (such as helping strangers, donating and volunteering) has been a crucial factor in maintaining stable well-being. Aknin's research suggests that altruism has a direct impact on the happiness of both the giver and the receiver, fostering a positive cycle of community well-being.
Well-being in Canada is also attributed to the robust social support network and well-being policies that protect its citizens. However, challenges remain, especially in relation to mental health among young people, where stress and anxiety are growing problems. Inclusive policies and reducing inequality have become key issues to further improve quality of life.
United States:
On the other hand, the United States is ranked 15th in the ranking. Although Americans experience high standards of living in terms of wealth and access to opportunities, their overall well-being has been affected by factors such as economic inequality and a higher perception of corruption compared to other developed countries. Studies show that although there are high levels of satisfaction among certain groups, the growing socioeconomic divide negatively impacts the perception of well-being, especially among minorities and low-income groups.
At a cultural level, as in Canada, there has been an increase in prosocial behaviors during the pandemic. Solidarity through acts of generosity and mutual support has been key to softening the effects of isolation and economic hardship. However, the country faces significant challenges related to mental health, where the prevalence of depression and work stress has increased in recent years.

Determining Factors:
Both countries are examples of developed economies with high standards of living, but their happiness indices highlight some notable differences. In terms of mental health and emotional well-being, both Canada and the United States have implemented efforts to improve access to health services and promote social integration. However, Canada, with its universal health care system, has shown better results in terms of equality in health care, which contributes to its higher ranking in the rankings.
An interesting aspect of the study is that acts of generosity and helping others are elements that have shown a direct correlation with increased happiness. These actions not only improve the satisfaction of the recipient, but also of the person performing the act. This phenomenon, known as the “warm glow,” has been a key factor in analyses of post-pandemic well-being.
Conclusion:
In summary, both Canada and the United States are countries where levels of happiness and well-being are relatively high compared to other nations, but with key variations. Canada stands out for its focus on inclusive policies and community support, while the United States faces internal challenges related to inequality and mental health. The culture of generosity and altruism has been one of the main mechanisms of resilience in both countries, helping to maintain stability of well-being even in times of global crises.
Sources: World Happiness Report 2023, Simon Fraser University, University of Oxford, Gallup World Poll.
Here are eight interesting comparisons of happiness in different countries and regions, based on cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic factors:

1. Colombia vs. Peru
Colombians tend to report higher levels of happiness than Peruvians. Colombia ranks 50th in the World Happiness Report, while Peru is ranked 74th. Despite internal conflicts, Colombians tend to be more optimistic, while in Peru, inequality and corruption influence perceptions of well-being.
2. Bhutan vs. Japan
Bhutan, with its Gross National Happiness policy, prioritizes spiritual and emotional well-being over economic growth. Although it is a poor country, happiness is a state priority. In contrast, Japan, although technologically advanced and economically strong, has high rates of stress and social isolation, especially among young people. Japan ranks 47th in the ranking, while Bhutan, although not listed in the report, is known for prioritizing happiness.

3. Finland vs. Italy
Finland has led the world happiness rankings for several years running, standing out for its strong social welfare system, personal freedom and trust in institutions. Italy, in contrast, is ranked much lower at 33rd, despite its rich culture and relaxed lifestyle. Italians face challenges related to bureaucracy, youth unemployment and corruption.
4. Suriname vs. Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)
People in Suriname, a tropical country with great cultural diversity, report moderate levels of happiness (ranked 72), while in Patagonia, although the weather conditions are harsh, Argentines and Chileans living in the region enjoy a life more connected to nature and less urban stress. Argentina and Chile rank higher in the happiness rankings (ranked 52 and 37, respectively).
5. Costa Rica vs. United States
Costa Rica far outstrips the United States on happiness indices, despite being a smaller and less developed country. It ranks 23rd versus the United States’ 15th. Costa Ricans highly value their connection to nature, social peace (no military since 1948), and an accessible health care system, which contribute to their higher overall satisfaction.
6. Denmark vs. Mexico
Denmark, ranked 2nd, stands out for its high economic well-being, equity, and trust in government, while Mexico, ranked 36th, despite having high rates of violence, displays a strong sense of community and cultural festivities that raise its level of satisfaction. Mexicans highly value personal relationships, which mitigates some of the country’s structural tensions.
7. India vs. Bangladesh
Although India is a country with an emerging economy, it ranks lower (126) on happiness indices than Bangladesh (118). Despite economic challenges, Bangladesh has made progress on issues of social well-being and health, while India faces large inequalities and challenges in life satisfaction, especially among the lower classes.
8. Germany vs. Greece
Germany, ranked 16th, stands out for its stable economy, high quality of life and strong welfare system. On the other hand, Greece is ranked 58th, as it still deals with the effects of the 2008 economic crisis, which weakened trust in institutions and the welfare state. However, Mediterranean life and strong family connection are factors that mitigate the decline in Greek happiness.

9. Iceland vs. Spain
Iceland ranks 4th in the World Happiness Report, thanks to its strong sense of community, gender equality, and strong social systems. Despite being a small country with an extreme climate, Icelanders have high levels of well-being. Spain, ranked 32nd, has a rich culture and a strong focus on social relationships, but faces challenges such as youth unemployment and economic crisis, which drags its position down in comparison.
10. Sweden vs. Brazil
Sweden (ranked 6) is an example of high well-being due to its work-life balance, access to public services, and a high level of trust in government. In contrast, Brazil (ranked 49) faces issues such as economic inequality and insecurity, despite being a culturally vibrant country. However, Brazil's sense of community and festivities boost its happiness in some sectors.
11. Norway vs. France
Norway, ranked 7th, is known for its high social well-being, quality of life, and a strong economy driven by natural resources. France, ranked 21st, has a high quality of life, but the perception of well-being is lower due to factors such as work stress and political tensions. Despite their similarities in infrastructure, Norwegians report a higher level of personal satisfaction.
12. New Zealand vs. Italy
New Zealand, ranked 10th, stands out for its connection to nature, its quality of life, and a very strong sense of community. Italy, ranked 33rd, although known for its relaxed lifestyle and rich culture, faces economic and political problems that negatively affect the perception of well-being of its citizens.
13. Australia vs. South Africa
Australia (ranked 12th) offers high levels of satisfaction due to its stable economy, quality of services, and pleasant natural environment. South Africa (ranked 85), on the other hand, faces major challenges in terms of inequality, violence and lack of access to basic services, which strongly impacts the happiness of its population.

Happiness comparison between the United States, Mexico, and Brazil

In terms of happiness, the United States generally ranks above Mexico and Brazil in the World Happiness Report. In 2023, the United States ranked 15th, while Mexico ranked 36th and Brazil 49th.

Key factors explaining the United States' advantage include higher per capita income, better access to health services, and more political stability. However, the happiness disparity between these countries is not as large as it might seem at first glance. Mexico, despite its problems with insecurity and inequality, remains a country where strong community life and family ties play a crucial role in well-being. Brazil, on the other hand, faces additional challenges such as high crime and socioeconomic inequality, which negatively affects perceived happiness.

Are people happier after immigrating?

Several studies indicate that immigration can have a positive impact on migrants' happiness, but with important nuances. According to the World Happiness Report, immigrants in countries with developed economies and strong welfare systems, such as Canada and the Nordic countries (Finland, Norway), tend to report higher levels of happiness than in their home countries. However, factors such as social integration, discrimination, and job opportunities play a crucial role.

A study by the Gallup World Poll shows that immigrants' happiness tends to converge with that of native residents, especially in countries where immigration support and social inclusion are a priority. The United States, while offering many economic opportunities, can present more integration challenges, which sometimes impacts immigrants' perception of well-being.

In short, although the United States is generally happier than Mexico and Brazil, strong family and community ties in the latter countries smooth out the difference. Immigration can improve happiness, but the success of this experience depends largely on the host country and how migrants are welcomed and integrated.

1. Social well-being and quality of relationships are more important than economic income

The happiest countries are not necessarily the richest, but those that prioritize social well-being, work-life balance, and the strength of community networks. Countries like Finland and Denmark, with high levels of social trust and access to public services, consistently top happiness rankings, while larger economies like the United States do not always stand out for their happiness.

2. Social and economic inequality significantly affects happiness

Countries with large inequality gaps, such as Brazil or South Africa, experience lower levels of happiness despite their economic potential and cultural diversity. Differences in access to opportunities, security, and well-being generate negative perceptions of quality of life, showing how equity is crucial to social well-being.
3. Connection with nature improves personal satisfaction

Regions and countries where the population has a stronger connection with the natural environment, such as New Zealand or Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, report high levels of satisfaction. The quality of the natural environment and the possibility of enjoying green spaces contribute to mental and physical well-being, highlighting the importance of nature in daily life.

These findings underline the complexity of the factors that affect happiness, showing that well-being goes beyond simple economic income, encompassing social cohesion, equality and access to the natural environment.

Notes

Draft

Status

Country

City

Placename

Cancel