World Happiness Report 2023

• 21 Mar 2023

On March 20, 2023, the annual U.N.-sponsored World Happiness Report was released, ranking Finland as the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row while India ranks 126th out of 137 countries.

• The report includes an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on happiness and resilience, as well as an examination of the relationship between state effectiveness and happiness.
• The report is based on People’s self-assessment of their happiness.
• The six factors considered in the report are: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
• It also explores the relationship between altruism and well-being for altruists, beneficiaries, and observers.
• Despite the Russian invasion, Ukraine's ranking improved from 98 to 92 this year, with acts of kindness growing in the country.
• It notes a stronger sense of common purpose and benevolence in Ukraine since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
• Israel rose five spots to occupy fourth position, while the Baltic countries are rising rapidly towards Western European levels.
• Afghanistan, which has occupied the bottom spot (lowest country) on the table since 2020, saw its humanitarian crisis deepen since the Taliban government took power in 2021.
• Overall, the report highlights the importance of a strong welfare system, high trust in authorities, and low levels of inequality in promoting happiness.