International Day Of Happiness 2024: What is the World Happiness Report and How Is It Measured?

International Day of Happiness 2024: The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on March 20. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on June 28, 2012. On this day, every year, the World Happiness Report is released by the United Nations. Read this article to know more about the World Happiness Report, its significance, and more.

Wednesday is #HappinessDay.

During times of difficulty, looking after mental health can help increase feelings of happiness and overall well-being.

📚 Relaxing

🧘 Practicing mindfulness

🤗 Connecting with loved ones & morehttps://t.co/lBqZVVzFIt pic.twitter.com/tk3vJTmS7H

— United Nations (@UN) March 20, 2024

What is the World Happiness Report?

The World Happiness Report is a report by the United Nations that measures national happiness. This data was primarily collected from the Gallup World Poll and based on respondent ratings of their own lives.

According to the World Happiness Report, “The World Happiness Report reflects a worldwide demand for more attention to happiness and well-being as criteria for government policy. It reviews the state of happiness in the world today and shows how the science of happiness explains personal and national variations in happiness.”

How is the Happiness Index Measured?

The rankings of national happiness are based on a happiness measurement survey undertaken worldwide by the polling company Gallup, Inc. 

Respondents drawn from nationally representative samples are asked to visualize a ladder where a 10 represents their ideal life and a 0 represents their worst life. After that, they are asked to rank their own lives as of right now on a 0–10 scale. The report compares the outcomes of the life evaluation with a range of other life factors. 

The life factor variables that are employed in the reports are indicative of factors that account for variations in life assessments across national boundaries in the body of research literature. The Gallup World Poll questionnaire measures 14 areas within its core questions: 

• Business & Economics
• Citizen Engagement
• Communications & Technology
• Diversity (social issues)
• Education & families
• Emotions (well-being)
• Environment & energy,
• Food & Shelter
• Government and politics
• Law & order (safety)
• Health
• religion & ethics
• Transportation
• Work

What is the significance of the Happiness Index?

The World Happiness Report holds significant importance as it provides valuable insights into global well-being and societal progress. By measuring and analyzing factors such as social support, economic stability, and personal freedom, it offers a comprehensive understanding of what contributes to happiness and quality of life across nations. This data-driven report not only informs policy-making but also encourages dialogue and initiatives aimed at fostering greater happiness and well-being worldwide.

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals to make people's lives happier. Its main development goals are to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet.

As of March 2023, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world six times in a row. However, the World Happiness Report 2024 will be released today, to mark the 11th anniversary of the UN’s International Day of Happiness. 

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