Finland ranked happiest country in the world. The U.S. falls to its lowest-ever position - PBS NewsHour

By Taylor Morgan: The annual World Happiness Report, a comprehensive examination of global happiness metrics, was released on Thursday, revealing a stark contrast between some nations. The findings have placed Finland at the highest echelons of global contentment, marking it the happiest country in the world. Conversely, the United States, often perceived as a global powerhouse, has descended to its lowest-ever position in the rankings. The report, which also included 14 Western industrial countries, two countries from Latin America, and a Middle Eastern nation within its top 20, paints a fascinating picture of global happiness, or lack thereof, and raises intriguing questions about the factors influencing these outcomes.

The World Happiness Report is an annual publication by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report ranks global happiness in countries around the world, utilizing a variety of data points to create a comprehensive index. These data points include factors such as income, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The report prides itself on taking a broad view, acknowledging that happiness cannot be measured by economic success alone. The report has been published annually since 2012, making it a trusted source of information on global happiness.

According to the most recent report, Finland has claimed the title of the world’s happiest country for the fourth year in a row. This is a testament to the Nordic country's strong emphasis on social welfare, education, and healthcare. Finland's consistent ranking at the top of the list highlights the nation's successful approach to fostering happiness among its citizens. The country is known for its high standards of living, low levels of corruption, and robust social safety net, all of which contribute to its residents' overall sense of well-being.

On the other end of the spectrum, the United States fell to its lowest-ever position in the rankings. This decline is indicative of the complex challenges facing the nation, which include widening income inequality, political polarization, and ongoing public health crises. The report’s findings underscore the necessity of addressing these issues in order to improve national happiness.

Interestingly, the top 20 happiest countries include 14 Western industrial countries, two countries from Latin America, and one from the Middle East. This diverse representation suggests that happiness is not exclusive to any particular region or economic model, but can be achieved through a variety of social, political, and economic structures.

The World Happiness Report rankings are based on a variety of factors including GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Finland, with its strong social security system, high-quality education, and focus on equality, scored highly in these areas, leading to its top position.

In stark contrast, the United States, despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, fell to its lowest-ever position in the rankings. This downward trend can be attributed to a number of factors. While the U.S. economy continues to grow, benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed among its citizens, leading to increased inequality.

Apart from economic factors, another significant contributor to the United States' low ranking is the reported decline in mental and physical health among its citizens. The U.S. has seen a significant rise in health-related problems such as obesity, substance abuse and depression in recent years, which experts believe has negatively impacted the overall happiness of its population.

On the other hand, countries from Latin America and the Middle East making it to the top 20 happiest countries is noteworthy. Despite political unrest and economic challenges, these countries have managed to maintain high levels of happiness, highlighting the fact that happiness is not solely dependent on economic prosperity.

The World Happiness Report is not merely a measure of subjective personal feelings of well-being. The report takes into consideration a wide range of factors that contribute to the overall happiness of a country's citizens. These include economic factors such as income and employment, but also social factors like education, health, and social support. Even political stability and trust in governance are considered.

According to Dr. Lara Aknin, a psychologist and one of the authors of the report, "There's a strong correlation between happiness and a society's ability to provide basic human needs and services. This includes access to healthcare, quality education, and a clean environment, as well as a sense of community and trust in the government. These factors are as important, if not more, than economic wealth alone."

Thus, it is not surprising that the nations topping the list are those that have a high standard of living, robust social services, and a high degree of political stability. These factors, combined with others, create an environment that is conducive to overall happiness.

The World Happiness Report continues to shed light on the global happiness landscape. With its comprehensive approach to analyzing subjective well-being, the report offers an alternative perspective to strictly economic measures of success. This year's rankings, with Finland at the top and the U.S. at its lowest-ever position, reveal a complex picture of global well-being, influenced by a myriad of factors.

While Western industrial countries dominate the top 20, the inclusion of Latin American and Middle Eastern countries underscores the universality of the pursuit of happiness. It's a reminder that despite the disparities, there is a shared human aspiration to lead fulfilled lives. This aspiration transcends geographical boundaries, socio-economic statuses, and cultural differences.

As nations worldwide grapple with various challenges, the World Happiness Report serves as a valuable tool to inform policies and interventions aimed at enhancing happiness and well-being. It prompts us to reflect on the true measures of a successful society and advocates for a holistic approach to progress. Ultimately, happiness is a universal goal that unites us all, regardless of where we live.

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/finland-ranked-happiest-country-in-the-world-the-u-s-falls-to-its-lowest-ever-position