For the fifth year in a row, Finland takes the top spot as the happiest in the world in the World Happiness Report. This year its score was significantly ahead of other countries in the top ten. Denmark continues to occupy second place, with Iceland up from 4th place last year to 3rd this year. Switzerland is 4th, followed by the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Travellers can celebrate ‘International Day of Happiness’ with 5 mood-boosting destinations in India.
The top ten are rounded out by Sweden, Norway, Israel and New Zealand. The next five are Austria, Australia, Ireland, Germany and Canada, in that order. This marks a substantial fall for Canada, which was 5th ten years ago. The rest of the top 20 include the United States at 16th (up from 19th last year), the UK and the Czechia still in 17th and 18th, followed by Belgium at 19th and France at 20th, its highest ranking yet.
Top 10 countries that lead the World Happiness Report 2022
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Sweden
- Norway
- Israel
- New Zealand
Finland has so far weathered the pandemic better than most countries, avoiding lockdowns that reduced life satisfaction across the globe. Hospitals haven’t been overwhelmed and it’s managed to keep deaths below 150 per 1 million people, compared with the global average of about 980. Denmark, which came in second, has also weathered the pandemic relatively well.
India has been ranked 136 out of 146 countries in the UN World Happiness Report 2022. Last year too it was just outside the bottom 10, ranking 139 out of 149.
Jan-Emmanuel De Neve noted that “At the very bottom of the ranking we find societies that suffer from conflict and extreme poverty, notably we find that people in Afghanistan evaluate the quality of their own lives as merely 2.4 out of 10. This presents a stark reminder of the material and immaterial damage that war does to its many victims and the fundamental importance of peace and stability for human well-being.”
The availability of fifteen years of data covering more than 150 countries provides a unique stock-taking opportunity. The three biggest gains were in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The biggest losses were in Lebanon, Venezuela, and Afghanistan.
“Data considered in the World Happiness Report offers a snapshot of how people around the world evaluate their own happiness and some of the latest insights from the science of well-being,” said Lara Aknin. “This information is incredibly powerful for understanding the human condition and how to help people, communities, and countries work toward happier lives.”
In this troubled time of war and pandemic, the World Happiness Report 2022 reports a bright light in dark times. The pandemic brought not only pain and suffering but also an increase in social support and benevolence. As we battle the ills of disease and war, it is especially important to remember the universal desire for happiness and the capacity of individuals to rally to each other’s support in times of great need.
Jeffrey Sachs explains, “The World Happiness Report grew out of that worldwide determination to find the path to greater global well-being. Now, at a time of pandemic and war, we need such an effort more than ever. And the lesson of the World Happiness Report over the years is that social support, generosity to one another, and honesty in government are crucial for well-being. World leaders should take heed. Politics should be directed as the great sages long ago insisted: to the well-being of the people, not the power of the rulers.”
Past reports demonstrate that communities with high levels of trust are happier and more resilient in the face of a wide range of crises.
This year’s report comes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has upended lives around the world. “COVID-19 is the biggest health crisis we’ve seen in more than a century,” said John Helliwell. “Now that we have two years of evidence, we are able to assess not just the importance of benevolence and trust, but to see how they have contributed to well-being during the pandemic.”
“We found during 2021 remarkable worldwide growth in all three acts of kindness monitored in the Gallup World Poll. Helping strangers, volunteering, and donations in 2021 were strongly up in every part of the world, reaching levels almost 25% above their pre-pandemic prevalence. This surge of benevolence, which was especially great for the helping of strangers, provides powerful evidence that people respond to help others in need, creating in the process more happiness for the beneficiaries, good examples for others to follow, and better lives for themselves.”
Celebrate ‘International Day of Happiness’ with top 5 destinations in India with the best mood-boosting activities
The benefits of travel go beyond making memories and meeting new people; exploring a new place can have a remarkably positive impact on a person’s wellbeing.
With 85% of Indian travellers saying their motivation to travel is to boost their mood*, taking a vacation is the ultimate way to feel good. From adventure sports to wellness therapies and mouth-watering food, travel can lift spirits and boost happiness levels for weeks after returning home.
To celebrate International Day of Happiness on the 20th of March, Booking.com has selected five of the top destinations with the best mood-boosting activities based on traveller reviews. From scuba diving in the Andamans to calming yoga on the beach in Varkala, incorporate a mood-boosting activity into your next vacation to make it the most joyful yet.
- Outdoor activities in Neil Island, Andamans
Blessed with magnificent biodiversity, unexplored coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and tropical woodlands, Neil Island is a perfect gem of the Andaman Islands. Officially referred to as ‘Shaheed Dweep’ – it’s among the top-recommended destinations for outdoor activities .
From surfing to scuba diving and paddle boarding, it’s the perfect place to experience happiness, especially for those seeking adventure. Venture inland to explore the easy cycling trails immersed in nature, or head onto the beach to sunbathe, read, or just lay.
- Wellness in Auroville, Tamil Nadu
The quiet town of Auroville is an experimental township in Tamil Nadu. Known for hosting weekly workshops, therapies, and community yoga, it’s the ideal vacation for rest and relaxation – and among the top destinations for wellness according to Booking.com travellers which is a key factor to feeling content. Visitors can de-stress and relax with its wet and dry tropical climate and enjoy walks on its open roads to instill inner calm.
The community of the township is very close-knit, and the atmosphere is very homely. Matrimandir is the town’s secular gathering spot for people to meditate and experience tranquillity in peaceful silence. This beautiful town has become synonymous with community healing and is an abode to many on the lookout for inner peace.
- Yoga in Varkala, Kerala
Home to palm-covered red cliffs, pristine golden beaches, and pilgrimage sites, the coastal town of Varkala in the southern part of Kerala is a hipster’s paradise. More a state of mind than a place, Varkala is guaranteed to raise the vibes and is among the top recommended destinations for yoga according to Booking.com travellers.
Head to Papanasam Beach, ten kilometers away from Varkala, where travellers can enjoy sun salutations at sunset by a natural spring, or sunrise for early birds. Whether into Vinyasa or Bikram, a budding beginner or a yogi master will find a cool spot for a restorative trip.
- Waterfalls in Shillong, Meghalaya
Referred to as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is home to several scenic waterfalls, rated one of the best destinations for waterfalls by Booking.com travellers. The state of Meghalaya has 16 main waterfalls, out of which, Nohkalikai Falls at 1,115 ft, is said to be the tallest plunge waterfall in India.
This waterfall is fed by the rainwater that collects on the top, making it hard to forget the once-in-a-lifetime sound of water plunging to the earth. The city also stands out with its tall pine conifers, pineapple shrubs, and undulating terrain. Alongside the mesmerising waterfalls, visitors can meander through Mawlynnong, known to be the cleanest village in Asia known for its wood carvings and traditional craftsmanship.
- Nature in Munnar, Kerala
At 1,600 m above sea level and a few hours away from Alleppey, Munnar is one of the most scenic areas in Kerala. Blessed with huge tea plantations, aesthetic cottages, and vibrant hiking trails, it’s no surprise the city is among the highly ranked destinations for nature walks amongst Booking.com travellers.
Few visit the lush green mountains, indulge in authentic food, or treat themselves with an ayurvedic spa while continuing to embrace the sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty of this town.
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