The list of the world’s happiest countries has been released in the data of the world happiness report.
The basis of these analyses and tools are usually drawn from the most common, which are healthy life expectancy, GDP per capita, social support, low corruption, generosity in a community where people look after each other, and freedom to make key life decisions.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 countries as compared to the lowest ranking countries, and importantly where does Nigeria rank? The answer should not surprise you; you will understand using the analysis listed above.
Finland:
There is no surprise again that Finland remains in the top spot for the sixth year in a row. The result is based on the report, which is a publication of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and draws on global survey data from people in more than 150 countries. Countries are ranked on happiness based on their average life evaluations over the three preceding years, therefore for the last three years, it’s obvious Finland has stood exceedingly tall in all ratios provided above. The average life expectancy of a Finnish person is 82.7 years, that’s massive.
Denmark:
The Nordic country comes second only to its neighbour, the pandemic only strengthens countries like these, as compared to some others, with a positive growth of 25% in terms of acts of kindness, generosity to citizens, and the ability to make decisions for the general good of all. Meaning post pandemic, Denmark sits right up there with its fellow neighbours.
Iceland:
With a population of a little above 340k as of 2020 population estimation. Meaning they represent about 0% of the world’s population. The country located in the north Atlantic lives freely and happily according to the happiness index record. With less to no corruption in its political terrain in the past ten years, it retains the third spot in the ranking of the world’s happiest countries this time around.
Israel:
The country was placed 9th happiest country last year, what miracle has the country made amidst the struggles of the occupied west bank issues, well its relationship with world superpowers and its foreign policy continue to lift the country high. According to social scientist Anat Fanti, who believes Israel is a bit lucky with the outcome of the index if it had been down before the judicial overhaul then it would have been a different story entirely.
Netherlands:
The Netherlands is on the list. After some political stability within the country. Edging out Norway for the honor of the fifth-happiest country in the world is the Netherlands (also known as Holland to many tulip lovers). The Netherlands scored higher in the generosity category than any other top-seven country and also displayed an impressive lack of perceived corruption.
In the top twenty, we, therefore, have the following countries after the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Austria, Australia, Canada, Ireland, United States, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, and Lithuania.
It’s not surprising to see countries like Russia, and Ukraine sitting 70th and 90th respectively, judging by the war-ravaged territories in recent years.
Where does Nigeria rank? Nigeria is ranked 116th happiest country, and this isn’t just because of the country’s recent instability politically and security-wise. As life expectancy is 55.75 years of age.
Afghanistan and Lebanon occupy the very bottom of the list, ranking 137th and 136th, respectively, with their average life ratings more than five points lower than the top 10 happiest nations on a scale of 0 to 1.
