The new World Happiness Report, based on Gallup's World Poll of people in over 150 countries, offers a revealing glimpse into the perception of emotional well-being across different parts of the world. What makes one country happier than another?
This ranking evaluated the average quality of life between the years 2021 and 2023, that is, after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, specific rankings by age groups are included for the first time.
According to the report, once again, three Nordic countries - Finland, Denmark, and Iceland - are the happiest in the world.
In the United States, the happiness of young people plummeted, and for the first time since 2012, the country dropped out of the group of the 20 happiest countries.
Latin America: Costa Rica is the happiest country, ranking 12th, followed by Mexico (25), Uruguay (26), and El Salvador (33).
In Search of Happiness
The report offers an interesting fact: a country's wealth, while important, is not a determining factor when it comes to measuring the emotional well-being of the population. For example, in the United States, per capita income rose over the last decade, but happiness indices declined, dropping from 14th place in 2017 to 23rd place in 2023.
It is possible that happiness goes beyond our surroundings and depends on our expectations in the face of a growing consumer society. While many people are depressed by the cold weather, the Finns do not worry about this issue, as the north of their country is covered in snow every year for 7 to 8 months. In winter, they experience extremely short days and long nights, with temperatures that can drop to -9.4F (-23C).
Finland's main export product is oil and its derivatives, but since late 2014, oil prices have fallen and remain relatively low. With such a climate and no major economic upturn, what do the Finns have that we don't?
Perhaps the key lies in a lifestyle adopted in Nordic countries that can be summed up in two words that are difficult to translate and pronounce: “hygge” and “kalsarikännit”.
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The Warmth of a Place Lies in Its People
“Hygge,” a concept adopted especially in Denmark, can be summarized in the idea of wrapping up, getting comfortable, and making any place cozy, despite the adversities of the weather. This is not an ode to complacency. The Nordics know that winter will come; therefore, they work, prepare, and stock up for when temperatures drop.
This is a fascinating lesson. Life is full of difficult moments; we cannot pretend that those storms will never come, but far from distressing us, we must prepare and try to be ready; this requires discipline. Once the storm rages, and although there may be things beyond our control, at least we can hope that the storm will pass in the warmth of the home we have built.
Do We Struggle to Be Happy with Ourselves?
The Finns take the concept of happiness one step further. Because in the harsh winter months, it is difficult to have social activities, they developed the idea called “kalsarikännit”. Which literally means drinking alone at home in underwear. In other words, being comfortable with ourselves.
While we can always improve, and we all have flaws to correct, according to this worldview, it is important to accept ourselves and dedicate time to ourselves; this will “recharge” our emotional batteries, to then take care of others.