In line with International Day of Happiness on March 20, the newest edition of the World Happiness Report was just recently released.
The World Happiness Report is an annual publication that ranks countries according to their levels of happiness and is produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative launched by the United Nations in 2012 to promote sustainable development.
The report measures happiness based on a range of factors, including economic prosperity, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The data used to rank countries comes from various sources, including the Gallup World Poll, World Values Survey, and other national surveys. The rankings are based on the average scores of the past three years of available data.
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From a country’s perspective, a high level of happiness among its citizens can have numerous benefits, including better health outcomes and stronger social cohesion.
Studies have shown that people who are happier are more creative and innovative, which can lead to new ideas and solutions that can boost a country’s productivity and competitiveness. Happier employees are more productive and engaged at work, which can lead to higher job performance and better economic outcomes for a country.
Happier people are better equipped to handle stress and adversity, which can lead to greater resilience and better outcomes during times of crisis or uncertainty. Happiness can also be a measure of a country’s success and progress, beyond just economic indicators such as GDP.
The World Happiness Report is intended to provide policymakers, academics, and the general public with insights into the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being around the world.
The report also aims to encourage countries to prioritise policies that promote happiness and well-being, as well as to monitor progress towards achieving these goals over time.
By tracking changes in happiness over time, policymakers can identify areas where improvements are needed and develop policies that promote happiness and well-being. This can lead to better outcomes in areas such as health, education, and social cohesion.
A robust and diverse economy
The UAE’s high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including its strong economy, high levels of social support, and high life expectancy. The country has a robust and diverse economy, with a high per capita income and a relatively low level of income inequality.
The UAE also has a strong social support system, with high levels of trust in the government and institutions, as well as strong family and community ties. Additionally, the country has a high life expectancy, with access to quality health care and a strong focus on health and wellness.
The UAE has also implemented policies aimed at promoting happiness and well-being, such as the creation of a Ministry of Happiness and Well-being in 2016, which aims to promote happiness and well-being in all areas of government policy.
The government has also launched initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles, as well as programs aimed at promoting social inclusion and community engagement.
BY: Dr. Kristian Alexander