The third World Happiness Report was released yesterday by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations. New Zealand is the only newcomer in the top 10 happiest countries, joining Canada and Australia as the only non-European contestants in this lucky cluster. What they all have in common is a robust combination of higher life expectancy, GPD per capita, social support, generosity, freedom to make life choices and lower perceptions of corruption, according to the report. By analyzing happiness data, officials hope to encourage governments to assess and improve their people’s social, economic and environmental wellbeing. The UN recognizes the relevance of “happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.” Can you guess which country took the top prize this time around?
What can we learn from the world’s happiest countries?
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