Who's Happy and Who's Not in the World

Are you happy where you are, according to the report?

The World Happiness Report 2024 is out and perhaps no surprise the Nordic countries are at the very top with Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden in the top four spots respectively. Israel is ranked at no. 5, as the surveys were completed before the deadly Hamas attack on October 7 last year.

Australia is at no. 10, and New Zealand close behind, and Canada is at no. 15 (previously 13), the United States at no. 23 (previously 15). It was found people in the US and Canada are happier if they are over 30 years old. The United Kingdom is at no. 20, France no. 27. 

Singapore is at no. 30 behind Kosovo, but before Taiwan at no. 31 which is described as "province of China", and then a block of Asian countries -- Japan, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam at nos 51 to 54 respectively.

Nordic countries rank the top four happiest in the world

China is ranked a bit further down at no 60, but Hong Kong (SAR of China) is waaay down at no. 86.

The worst? Afghanistan is at the bottom at no. 143, and Zimbabwe is no. 138.

In general women were not as happy as men, but in east Asia, it's the women who are happier than men. The survey found in general people are happier living in countries where the equality of happiness is greater.

In Taiwan, those 30 and younger were happier, while the older generation were less happy. Meanwhile in China, the elderly were happiest enjoying the fruits of their labour, though lower middle class were least happy, perhaps finding it hard to deal with inflation, or housing costs, or not having the means to immigrate.

For Hong Kong, it's the upper middle class who are very happy, the lower middle class not happy. 

Loneliness does affect happiness, and the report says social interactions add to one's happiness, that in turn helps increase social support, and reduce loneliness.

Nevertheless in broad strokes it is promising to see people around the world do care about others. The report has graphs that show people from boomers to Gen X and Millennials are more helpful to strangers, donate more and volunteer more post-pandemic than before 2020.  

Perhaps there is still hope for humanity after all!