Do you know about the world’s happiest countries in 2024? In the latest release of the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report, Finland continues its reign as the world’s happiest nation for the seventh consecutive year.
Conversely, India maintains its position at 126, mirroring last year’s ranking.
World’s happiest countries in 2024
The report, a comprehensive assessment of global well-being, sheds light on significant trends and shifts in happiness levels across nations.
Nordic Nations Lead the Charge, Afghanistan Struggles at the Bottom
Nordic countries, known for their high quality of life and social welfare systems, maintain dominance among the top ranks, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden trailing closely behind Finland.
In stark contrast, Afghanistan, grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2020, remains at the bottom of the list among the 143 countries surveyed.
Notable Absences and New Entrants in the Top 20
This year’s report marks the first time in over a decade that the United States and Germany have failed to secure spots among the top 20 happiest nations, ranking 23rd and 24th, respectively.
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Costa Rica and Kuwait, however, make their debut in the top 20, claiming the 12th and 13th positions, respectively.
The Changing Landscape of Global Happiness
The report highlights a notable shift in the demographic composition of the happiest nations, with none of the world’s largest countries making the cut.
Moreover, it underscores a worrying trend of declining happiness in regions such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly among younger demographics.
Factors Influencing Happiness: Insights from Experts
Happiness researcher Jennifer De Paola from the University of Helsinki attributes Finland’s high satisfaction levels to a myriad of factors, including a strong connection to nature, a balanced work-life equilibrium, and a societal perception of success that transcends mere financial achievements.
Addressing Inequality and Social Disparities
Despite overall improvements in happiness levels, the report underscores growing inequalities in well-being across regions, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Addressing these disparities remains a pressing global challenge.
As the world grapples with the complex interplay of factors shaping happiness and well-being, the insights gleaned from the World Happiness Report serve as a critical resource for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to foster greater societal satisfaction and equity on a global scale.
