Iraq ranks 101st in the global happiness index and 8th in the Arab world per the World Happiness Report. Key happiness factors include social support and trust in others. Finland is the happiest country, while Afghanistan ranks last.
The latest World Happiness Report indicates that Iraq ranks 101st worldwide and 8th in the Arab region, evaluating well-being across 147 countries. This study is a collaborative effort among Gallup, Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, analyzing data from 2022 to 2024.
The assessment of happiness was based on various factors such as social support, income, health, and perceptions of corruption. Researchers found that “belief in kindness and trust in others” significantly influences happiness, revealing that higher expectations of strangers returning lost items lead to increased happiness.
Iraq received a score of 4.979 out of 10. Finland continues to be the happiest country globally for eight consecutive years with a score of 7.735, followed closely by other Nordic nations: Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The Netherlands returned to the top five, with Costa Rica and Mexico achieving top ten rankings for the first time, while Norway placed seventh.
When considering major economies, Germany occupies the 22nd position, the UK 23rd, and the US has dropped to 24th place, with Russia at 66th. Within the Arab world, the UAE leads the regional happiness ranking at 21st globally, followed by Kuwait (30th), Saudi Arabia (32nd), Oman (52nd), and Bahrain (59th). Other Arab countries such as Libya, Algeria, Palestine, Morocco, and Tunisia ranked lower, with Iraq at 101st.
At the report’s lowest end, Afghanistan was identified as the least happy country in the world, ranking 147th, followed by Sierra Leone at 146th and Lebanon at 145th.
In summary, Iraq ranks 101st in the World Happiness Report, reflecting significant challenges to well-being amidst various socio-economic factors. Nordic countries lead globally in happiness, emphasizing the importance of social trust and kindness as critical happiness indicators. The study highlights disparities in happiness not only globally but also within the Arab region, where Iraq stands at a concerning position.
Original Source: shafaq.com
