Malaysia is the fifth happiest in ASEAN and 64th globally according to the World Happiness Report. Singapore ranks highest in ASEAN at 34th globally, while Finland leads the world in happiness. The report stresses the significance of community and trust in achieving happiness.
The recent World Happiness Report places Malaysia as the fifth happiest country in the ASEAN region and ranks it 64th globally. The findings indicate that Malaysians share approximately 11 meals per week with others, highlighting their strong social connections. Singapore tops the ASEAN countries at the 34th position, followed by Vietnam (46th) and Thailand (49th). In contrast, Indonesia ranks 83rd, Laos 93rd, Cambodia 124th, and Myanmar 126th, while Brunei was not included in the survey.
Finland continues its reign as the happiest country globally for the eighth consecutive year, scoring 7.736 on the Life Evaluation Index. Denmark and Iceland follow in second and third place, respectively. The report also highlights the least happy nations, including Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan, which ranked 141st, 142nd, and 143rd, respectively. Palestine, amidst ongoing conflict, ranked 108th, notably above Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt, with Palestinians reporting an average happiness score of 4.7 out of 10.
Gallup CEO Jon Clifton emphasized that happiness transcends mere wealth or economic growth, stating it is fundamentally rooted in trust and community. He remarked, “This year’s report proves we underestimate how kind the world really is. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters – each other.” The World Happiness Report is developed through a collaboration involving Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Each year, approximately 1,000 individuals in each nation are surveyed to gauge happiness levels.
In summary, Malaysia ranks fifth in ASEAN and 64th globally in the World Happiness Report, with social connections being a key factor in citizens’ well-being. Finland remains the happiest country worldwide, upholding its position for eight years. The report underlines the importance of trust and community in fostering happiness, indicating that investment in interpersonal relationships is essential for developing stronger societies and economies.
Original Source: www.dailyexpress.com.my
