To measure happiness, the process goes beyond GDP or other conventional economic indicators. The index helps in providing a more comprehensive, human-centred view of a country's prosperity by taking social and emotional well-being into account. This change has been led by nations like Bhutan, which place a higher priority on happiness than economic growth. Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index places more importance on its citizens' emotional and social well-being than on financial prosperity.
Happiness rankings are not just numbers on a list; they have real-world implications. Countries that consistently score high in happiness tend to have policies that prioritise well-being, mental health, social support, and work-life balance. These rankings influence the allocation of resources, policy development, and societal progress, moving the focus from purely economic growth to human development.
According to recent data, Finland tops the list of the world’s happiest countries, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel. It's interesting to note that most of the top-ranking countries are European, which are known for their strong social systems, access to quality healthcare, and emphasis on work-life balance. These factors contribute to their high levels of happiness.
Read more: Top 10 economically influential countries in the world
If we go by reports, India did not manage to secure a position among the top 10 happiest countries. Understanding what makes these nations happy could offer valuable lessons, while the focus on emotional well-being, mental health, and social support systems could provide a roadmap for improving the happiness of Indian citizens and fostering a more content society.
- Finland: 7.741 happiness score
- Denmark: 7.583
- Iceland: 7.525
- Sweden: 7.344
- Israel: 7.341
- Netherlands: 7.341
- Norway: 7.302
- Luxembourg: 7.122
- Switzerland: 7.060
- Australia: 7.057
