World Happiness Report – 2021 Edition

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Over the past year with drastic lifestyle changes for most people, there has been plenty of extra time to consider what things are most important to achieve happiness and fulfillment.  The recent results of the World Happiness Report for 2021 shifted focus because of COVID-19 from in-person interviews to a ranking system for individual well-being. 

Interestingly, despite the isolation, deaths, economic impacts and fear associated with the pandemic, the authors of the report suggest that the threat of COVID has created a greater sense of solidarity among people.  There was not, on average, a decline in how people evaluated their own well-being over the past year, according to a recent Forbes article. 

Regions that took firm action to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, as in many Asian countries, fared better on the 2021 Happiness Report list.  Researchers believe that people are happier when their governments act decisively to protect the well-being of their citizens. 

Although medical advancements and greater access to good nutrition have increased longevity, living a long life is only desirable if there is a good quality of life.  People are most happy when they are connected with others, have a purpose, and can take pleasure in the small moments each day that bring joy.  After a year of social distancing, it’s not surprising that many people used the slower pace of life to discover the silver linings of the pandemic and focus on what is good in their life rather than what is missing. 

So despite a global pandemic, happiness can still be found if you look for it, right at home with those you love. 

World’s 20 Happiest Countries

1. Finland
2. Iceland
3. Denmark
4. Switzerland
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Germany
8. Norway
9. New Zealand
10. Austria
11. Israel
12. Australia
13. Ireland
14. United States
15. Canada
16. Czech Republic
17. Belgium
18. United Kingdom
19. Taiwan
20. France

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