Happiness as a state objective? The World Happiness Report – by Dr Daniel Dettling

Once again, Finland! For the ninth consecutive year, the small country in north-eastern Europe tops the United Nations’ World Happiness Report. And this despite record levels of unemployment, limited sunshine and low average temperatures. For the first time, no English-speaking country appears in the top ten. The report’s findings are striking: income and wealth alone are not decisive. Instead, factors such as healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom and self-determination, social security, and a sense of belonging in the real – rather than the digital – world play a crucial role.

The report offers an encouraging message: well-being, mental health, and trust in both fellow citizens and governments are the most reliable safeguards in times of war, climate change and conflict. Among those faring worse is Generation Z – people under 25 – particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In contrast to other regions of the world, where young people are now happier than they were 20 years ago, their well-being has declined significantly. A key factor is the excessive use of social media. Time spent on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook is directly linked to mental health outcomes. Girls in Western countries are particularly affected.

Outside Europe, the happiest country in the Western world – after Costa Rica – is New Zealand. Several years ago, it introduced a so-called “Wellbeing Budget” with five key priorities: improving mental health, reducing child poverty, tackling social and economic inequality, fostering innovation and participation in the digital age, and transforming the economy towards a low-emission, sustainable future. All public spending is assessed based on whether, and how, it contributes to achieving these goals.

Factors such as poor working conditions, a lack of social security, and limited political freedom have a negative impact on citizens’ well-being. Ultimately, happiness is a matter of both personal and political freedom. Germany ranks among the top 20 and has improved significantly in recent years. So perhaps we, too, can be happy – which is certainly good news in uncertain times.