LONDON – For the ninth consecutive year, Finland has been named the world’s happiest country, according to the latest World Happiness Report. The Czech Republic ranks 20th, a slight decline from its 18th-place position last year, even as Slovakia has fallen further, dropping from 45th to 54th place.
The top ten happiest nations include other Scandinavian countries, as well as Costa Rica, Israel, and the Netherlands. “Finns aren’t obsessed with the idea of being happy at all costs,” Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, one of the report’s authors, told DPA. “Apparently, they are very content and grateful for everything they have, and they don’t take themselves very seriously, which allows them to appreciate the small things in life,” De Neve explained.
Costa Rica’s rise to the top five this year, from 23rd place in 2023, is attributed to strong family ties and other social connections, according to the Associated Press. Mexico, Kosovo, Slovenia, and Austria all ranked higher than the Czech Republic. The United States held steady at its 23rd-place ranking from the previous year. Afghanistan is considered the least happy country in the world, with Sierra Leone ranking just above it.
Individuals Rated Their Lives on a Scale of Zero to Ten
The annual World Happiness Report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll and analyzed by a global team of university experts. People in more than 140 countries and territories were asked to rate their lives on a scale of zero to ten, with ten representing the best possible life. The results are averaged over the past three years to create the ranking. Generally, the rankings correlate with the prosperity of nations, but individual assessments are likewise influenced by factors such as average life expectancy, social support, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.
The report’s findings offer a snapshot of global well-being, providing insights into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life and highlighting areas where improvements are needed. The consistent high ranking of Nordic countries underscores the importance of social welfare systems and strong community bonds in fostering happiness.
