Happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that I possess were the opening lyrics of a song often sung by the late, great Ken Dodd.
The pursuit of happiness is central to the human race and it plays a crucial role in shaping human behaviour and experiences. It is rooted in biology, psychology, and social structures. Humans are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain, and happiness is often associated with pleasurable experiences.
This often involves higher levels of satisfaction, optimism, and resilience, which in turn are crucial for coping with life’s challenges and maintaining mental health.
With humans being social creatures, happiness often stems from meaningful relationships and connections with others. Positive social interactions, such as love, friendship, and community involvement, contribute significantly to overall happiness.
Studies have shown that happiness and positive emotions are associated with better physical health outcomes, including reduced risk of chronic diseases, lower levels of stress hormones, and improved immune function. Happy individuals are often more productive, creative, and innovative in their endeavours.
Many societies place a high value on happiness and prioritise policies and practices aimed at enhancing wellbeing.
Cultural norms and expectations also play a significant role in shaping individuals’ pursuit of happiness. In simple terms, the pursuit of happiness may be driven by a desire to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.
The ranking of a country’s happiness provides insight into the wellbeing of its citizens and helps governments and organisations identify areas that may need improvement.
The rankings of the happiest countries in the world are derived from a global survey conducted annually by Gallup, Inc. The survey delves into happiness-related issues, such as mental health, the role of ethics, and the tangible benefits of happiness. Experts from various fields, including economics, psychology, survey analysis, and national statistics, discuss how wellbeing measurements can effectively gauge a nation’s progress and address other related topics.
The question that emerges is, why do some countries routinely clinch the top positions in the World Happiness Report, while others fail? The table below shows that, in 2024, Finland (for the second successive year) occupies first place, while the UK is in twentieth place.
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | Finland |
| 2 | Denmark |
| 3 | Iceland |
| 4 | Sweden |
| 5 | Israel |
| 6 | Netherlands |
| 7 | Norway |
| 8 | Luxembourg |
| 9 | Switzerland |
| 10 | Australia |
| 11 | New Zealand |
| 12 | Costa Rica |
| 13 | Kuwait |
| 14 | Austria |
| 15 | Canada |
| 16 | Belgium |
| 17 | Ireland |
| 18 | Czechia |
| 19 | Lithuania |
| 20 | United Kingdom |
It seems that the happiest countries in the world have strong social support systems, which include healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits. This ensures that citizens can face life’s challenges with confidence. High levels of freedom and trust in government and fellow citizens also contribute to a sense of security and wellbeing.
Most of the happiest countries in the world prioritise work-life balance, with shorter working weeks and longer paid holidays. Access to beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities often plays a role in the overall happiness of the population. Low levels of income inequality and a strong sense of social equality contribute to happiness.
But there is also a need to understand the struggles faced by countries at the bottom of the happiness scale, such as Congo, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, and Afghanistan. Such countries are often plagued by long-standing conflicts, civil wars, and political instability.
When combined with economic hardships, reduced opportunities, poverty, and lack of basic services, an environment of fear, insecurity, and uncertainty spreads. This leads to lower levels of happiness among their populations.
Countries enduring ongoing conflict and violence often struggle to provide their citizens with necessities, including safety, education, and healthcare. This can lead to an overall decline in wellbeing, and all these factors contribute to lower happiness levels in these nations.