“Big Nations Out, Small Nations In: Top 10 Happiest Countries Reshuffle”
14th May, New Delhi
The pursuit of happiness is a universal quest ingrained in the human experience. Annually, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network collaborates with Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, and the WHR’s Editorial Board to release the World Happiness Report.
This report not only offers insights into citizen well-being but also assists governments, policymakers, and organizations in understanding the factors influencing contentment and areas requiring attention.
In the 2024 release, Nordic countries continue their dominance, with Finland topping the rankings for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
Among the 143 surveyed nations, India maintains its 126th position from last year, while neighboring countries like China rank 60th, Nepal 93rd, Pakistan 108th, Myanmar 118th, Sri Lanka 128th, Bangladesh 129th, and Afghanistan at the bottom.
The World Happiness Index evaluates countries based on social and emotional aspects rather than solely economic indicators. Factors such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and absence of corruption contribute to the rankings.
Bhutan sets an example by prioritizing Gross National Happiness over economic development, emphasizing a holistic approach to societal progress.
Here are the top 10 happiest countries in 2024:
- Finland: 7.344
- Denmark: 7.583
- Iceland: 7.525
- Sweden: 7.344
- Israel: 7.341
- Netherlands: 7.319
- Norway: 7.302
- Luxembourg: 7.122
- Switzerland: 7.060
- Australia: 7.057
