A report into the happiest nations on earth is once again upon us. I note that some of the big countries such as the UK and USA don’t even make the top ten. Not because we’re not generally happy as a nation (broadly speaking!) but because this study takes into account more than just well-paid jobs and the latest must-have gadgets. It’s based more on the social support we have as well as the personal freedom we experience on a daily basis. So basically it focuses more on whether we have happy and healthy relationships with our families, friends and colleagues (and having loads of Facebook friends doesn’t necessarily count!)
The World Happiness Report was unveiled at this week’s UN Conference in Bhutan and the top twenty most happy nations are;
1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Netherlands
5. Canada
6. Switzerland
7. Sweden
8. New Zealand
9. Australia
10. Ireland
11. USA
12. Costa Rica
13. Austria
14. Israel
15. Belgium
16. Luxembourg
17. United Arab Emirates
18. United Kingdom
19. Venezuela
20. Iceland
What surprises me most from this list are the countries that are happy despite (or because of?) economic difficulties. It’s interesting to note that although the USA has had a threefold increase in GDP per person since 1960, their levels of happiness have not increased.
So maybe it’s time to get back to basics, watch the sun rise (or set), take up a fulfilling hobby such as painting or exploring the world and hang out with those nearest to you. And make sure you vote as this determines many of your local and national decisions, which ultimately affect your life and happiness!
