Global Joy Index Report of 2020 by the United Nations
In the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, signs of solidarity among people worldwide have shone brightly, offering a glimmer of hope for a better and happier future. This sentiment is echoed in the UN World Happiness Report 2020, which ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world.
The report, published during the pandemic, evaluated happiness levels of people living in various countries based on criteria such as gross domestic product per capita, healthy life expectancy, social supports, and freedoms. Finland's top ranking is attributed to several key factors.
Firstly, Finland boasts high levels of social trust and strong social support networks. The Finnish people benefit from a well-functioning welfare system, low levels of corruption, and an emphasis on work-life balance, all of which contribute to overall life satisfaction. Finland's close connection to nature, cultural practices like sauna which promote wellbeing and mindfulness, and an undemanding attitude toward pursuing happiness that emphasizes presence and contentment rather than constant striving also play significant roles.
Moreover, social trust within communities and the importance placed on personal freedom and the ability to make meaningful social contributions are crucial factors. Finland is one of the countries with the lowest poverty and inequality among OECD countries, further contributing to its high reported life satisfaction.
The Scandinavian countries dominated the top of the list, with Finland joined by Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland in the top ten. The World's 20 Happiest Countries, according to the report, also include New Zealand, Austria, Luxembourg, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Israel, Costa Rica, Ireland, Germany, United States, Czech Republic, and Belgium.
On the other hand, countries dominated by conflicts and extreme poverty like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan were at the bottom of the list. The World's 10 Unhappiest Countries, according to the report, are: Afghanistan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Botswana, Yemen, Malawi, and India.
John Helliwell, an expert who prepared the UN World Happiness Report 2020, states that the happiest countries are those where people have a sense of belonging, trust each other, trust public institutions, and enjoy them. The restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic may even increase future happiness, as people are satisfied with neighbors and institutions being ready to help during difficult pandemic conditions.
Despite Finland's high standard of living, security, and public services, the country has faced challenges such as high alcohol addiction and suicide rates associated with long and dark winter days in the north of the country for many years. However, these rates have been reduced by half thanks to studies and interventions.
In conclusion, the UN World Happiness Report 2020 provides valuable insights into what contributes to a happy and fulfilled life. The report highlights the importance of social trust and community support, good governance with low corruption, extensive social safety nets and welfare provision, work-life balance and freedom, cultural and environmental factors promoting wellbeing, and psychological attitudes valuing presence over the pursuit of happiness. These factors collectively lead to high reported life satisfaction for citizens across age groups, sustaining Finland’s top ranking in the World Happiness Report for several consecutive years.
- In the realm of personal-growth and education-and-self-development, understanding the factors contributing to happiness, as outlined in the UN World Happiness Report 2020, can aid in fostering a more contented life.
- The report, focusing on health-and-wellness and general-news, reveals a direct correlation between social trust, strong support networks, and mental-health, leading to enhanced life satisfaction.
- The policy-and-legislation and political implications of the report underscore the importance of policies that prioritize mental-health, community support, and good governance in improving overall happiness levels.
- Despite Finland's popularity in war-and-conflicts-free zones, issues such as substance abuse and suicide related to long winter days persist, illustrating the need for ongoing Crime-and-justice intervention and support services.
- The knowledge gained from studies like the UN World Happiness Report 2020, addressing matters of state, social, and personal welfare, can foster more informed decisions and policies towards ensuring collective wellbeing and sustained personal-growth.
