Finland Retains Its Title as the Happiest Country
For the seventh consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world according to the recently released 2024 World Happiness Report. Scoring 7.741 out of 10, Finland continues to lead the rankings, though it experienced a slight dip from its previous score of 7.804.
The Top Three Happiest Countries
The 2024 report mirrors last year’s rankings in the top three spots:
- Finland – 7.741
- Denmark – 7.583
- Iceland – 7.525
In a notable shift, Israel has dropped to fifth place, allowing Sweden to take its spot in fourth.
New Entrants in the Happiness Rankings
Costa Rica and Kuwait Make Their Mark
The report highlights Costa Rica, ranked 12th, and Kuwait, ranked 13th, both making their debut in the top 20 happiest countries. Costa Rica was also recognized as Travel+Leisure’s Destination of the Year, emphasizing its allure as a happy place to visit.
The U.S. Faces Decline in Happiness Ranking
U.S. Falls to 23rd Place
In a disappointing turn of events, the United States has dropped to 23rd place, marking its worst performance since the report began in 2012. This decline is largely attributed to a significant decrease in the well-being of Americans under the age of 30.
According to the report, the U.S. ranks 10th for happiness among individuals over 60, but falls dramatically to 62nd for those under 30, with Lithuania being the happiest country for young people in this demographic.
Insights from the Report
John F. Helliwell, an Emeritus Professor of Economics and a key contributor to the World Happiness Report, noted the stark differences in happiness levels between age groups. “There is a great variety among countries in the relative happiness of the younger, older, and in-between populations,” he said.
The report also indicates a general decline in the well-being of young people aged 15 to 24 across regions including Western Europe, North Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East since 2019.
Significant Changes in the Global Happiness Landscape
Serbia and Bulgaria Make Significant Gains
Among other noteworthy changes, Serbia and Bulgaria have seen the most significant improvements in their rankings, climbing over 63 spots since the report’s inception. Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to rank at the bottom of the happiness index.
Understanding the Methodology Behind the Rankings
Self-Assessments of Quality of Life
The 2024 World Happiness Report is based on self-assessments of the quality of life of the populations in each country, compiled from 2021 to 2023. The findings shed light on the intricate factors that influence happiness, illustrating a complex interplay of age, societal conditions, and economic stability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Finland continues to hold the title of the happiest country in the world for 2024, with consistent support from its citizens regarding their quality of life. As the U.S. grapples with a declining happiness ranking, particularly among its younger population, the report serves as a reminder of the varying degrees of happiness across different demographics and regions. Understanding these trends can help policymakers and individuals alike to cultivate environments that promote well-being and contentment.
