The report, published by the Center for Welfare Research at Oxford University, is based on Gallup World voting data ranked in the country according to a self-rated life rating averaged from 2022 to 2024. Approximately 1,000 respondents from each country were surveyed to assess current lives on a scale of 1-10.
Other important factors considered in the ranking include gross domestic product per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make important life decisions, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Belgium took 14th place. This is the best ranking since 2011.
Reports show that the five countries that have experienced the biggest improvement in happiness are Serbia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Latvia and Romania. Meanwhile, the US, Switzerland and Canada are among the biggest losers.
Generally, the Western developed countries are no longer happier than in 2005.
And in 2010, the report states.
In Europe and the US, the report draws on a decline in happiness and social trust, an increase in political polarization and a vote on the “system,” or relationships with right-wing and populist parties.
However, 14 of the happiest countries are still Europeans, with Costa Rica, Israel, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Canada closing their list.
