Happy Countries

Where are the happiest spots in the world?

Well.......

Since 2002, the World Happiness Report has used statistical analysis to determine the world's happiest countries. To determine the world's happiest country, researchers analyzed comprehensive Gallup polling data from 149 countries for the past three years, specifically monitoring performance in six particular categories: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make your own life choices, generosity of the general population, and perceptions of internal and external corruption levels.

(https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world)

Who ranked #1?

Finland ranks as the world's happiest country based on the 2021 report, with a score of 7.842 out of a total possible score of 10. The report writers credited the citizens of Finland's strong feelings of communal support and mutual trust with not only helping secure the #1 ranking, but (more importantly) helping the country as a whole navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Finlanders felt strongly that they were free to make their own choices, and showed minimal suspicion of government corruption. Both of these factors are strong contributors to overall happiness.

(In fact, 5 of the top 7 were Nordic countries.  They are doing something right up there!

And last?

The least happy country in the world for 2021 was Afghanistan, whose 149th-place ranking of 2.523 can be attributed in part to a low life expectancy rate and low gross domestic product rates per capita. It's worthwhile to note that the report was released before the recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, which will undoubtedly impact future scores in one way or another.

What about the USA?

19th place.

I suspect most of our discontent is related to 3 things:

- our political division/discourse

- our real and/or perceived inequalities

- our selfish, self-centered, self-promoting ways

Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt