Greece Drops 17 Places in the World Happiness Report: A Dramatic Decline in Wellbeing.
Greece’s recent decline in the World Happiness Report highlights shifting perceptions of well-being across nations.
Falling 17 positions, Greece now ranks 81st, with its neighbour Cyprus placed higher at 67th.
This annual report, which coincides with the UN’s International Day of Happiness, gathers insights from over 140 countries to evaluate their citizens’ happiness levels.
The report, carried out by Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, considers various factors, including economic conditions, social support, and life expectancy.
As emphasised by Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, true happiness encompasses more than just financial wealth; it involves trust, personal connections, and a sense of security within communities.
The findings indicate that happiness can also be influenced by family dynamics, with larger households often reporting greater satisfaction.
The Leading Nations in the World Happiness Report
The latest World Happiness Report highlights the top-ranked countries where residents feel the happiest. Here are the top 20 nations as identified in the report:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Lithuania
- Austria
- Canada
- Slovenia
- Czech Republic
Costa Rica and Mexico have made notable progress by entering the top ten for the first time.
This shift signifies a growing trend towards higher happiness levels, particularly in countries like Lithuania, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, which all show steady improvements.
Conversely, the United States has dropped to 24th place, marking its lowest position ever in the rankings.
Similarly, the United Kingdom is reported to have its lowest average life evaluation since the report started in 2017.
The rankings are derived from a three-year average that reflects how individuals perceive their quality of life.
To explain discrepancies among nations, experts from various fields analyse factors such as GDP per capita, health expectancy, social support, individual freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
In general, Western industrialised nations are experiencing a decline in happiness levels compared to previous years, with 15 countries reporting significant drops.
In contrast, several nations are observing improvements in their happiness scores, indicating considerable variances in overall life satisfaction across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Greece’s drop in the World Happiness Report rankings?
Several factors may have led to Greece’s fall in the World Happiness Report.
Economic difficulties, social unrest, and dissatisfaction with political leadership can affect how citizens perceive their quality of life.
Furthermore, changes in mental health and community support systems may also play a role in shifting happiness levels.
How is happiness measured in the World Happiness Report?
The World Happiness Report evaluates happiness using a combination of surveys and data analysis.
Researchers gather subjective assessments from citizens about their lives and experiences, alongside metrics such as income, social support, and life expectancy.
This comprehensive approach ensures a more complete picture of national well-being.
What effect has the ranking change had on Greek society?
Greece’s decline in the happiness rankings can have various impacts on its society.
Citizens may feel discouraged or neglected, which could lead to increased social tension.
It may also spark debates about government policies and priorities aimed at improving the public’s well-being.
Which nations are experiencing substantial gains in happiness rankings?
Some countries have shown notable improvements in their happiness scores.
Often, these nations implement supportive policies, invest in community well-being, and foster social cohesion, contributing to a better quality of life for their citizens.
How does the World Happiness Report shape government decisions?
The findings from the World Happiness Report can influence policymakers by highlighting the areas that require attention.
Governments may prioritise economic growth, healthcare, education, and social services based on the report’s insights to improve the happiness of their citizens.
What key indicators are used to rank countries in the World Happiness Report?
The World Happiness Report relies on several core indicators to establish rankings. These include:
- GDP per capita: Measures the average economic output per person.
- Social support: Evaluates the presence of supportive relationships in individuals’ lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: Assesses the expected length of time individuals live in good health.
- Freedom: Reflects the level of individual autonomy in making life choices.
- Generosity: Looks at charitable contributions and community engagement.
These factors collectively provide a framework for understanding happiness across different nations.
