What are the parameters to measure social progress? Most nations go by GDP growth, but are economic indicators enough? Not quite, according to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The agency has been rolling out the World Happiness Report since 2012. This survey measures the well-being and progress of nations, but with a difference – namely, how happy are its citizens?
Denmark was the happiest country among 157 others in this year’s survey and has retained its spot in the top 10 since 2013.
But Indians are not so happy. We rank 118, in fact we toppled down a position. However, our Asian neighbours seem to be faring much better – China is at 83, Pakistan is at 92 and even Bangladesh is at 110.
Region wise Happiness Ranking
- 1. Western Europe
- 2. SouthEast Asia
- 3. East Asia
- 4. Northern America
- 5. The Commonwealth of Independent States
- 6. South Asia
- 7. Sub-Saharan Africa
- 8. Central and Eastern Europe
- 9. Latin America and Caribbean
- 10. Middle East and North Africa
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