Poorva Chavan
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Poorva Chavan | Published : March 17, 2016 3:57 PM IST
The World Happiness Report 2016 has been released just ahead of the UN World Happiness Day on March 20. The report ranks 156 countries on their happiness levels and measures the state of well-being and how it affects a nation's progress. The report also reflects a new worldwide demand to include happiness in government policies to support better lives.
The happiness quotients are measured by GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruptions.
According to the report, the happiest country in the world is Denmark, followed by Switzerland and Iceland. India ranks 118 among the 156 countries and fares worse than its neighbours Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan ranks 92nd, Nepal, 107th and Bangladesh 110. Sri Lanka ranks at 117, just above India. India is among the 10 countries that are witnessing a decline in happiness. In 2015 it, ranked 117th. The report says that these countries showing a decline suffered some combination of economic, political, and social stresses.
The least happiest countries are Rwanda, Benin, Afghanistan, Togo, Syria and Burundi.
This is the third edition of the report and this year it has taken into consideration the consequences of inequality while measuring the well being among countries. The previous reports have highlighted that happiness is a better indicator of human welfare than income, poverty, education, health and good government measured separately. This year the report stresses that people prefer living in societies where there is less inequality of happiness.
Image source: Shutterstock
