By Giuseppe Loporchio



Norway is the happiest country in the world this year, followed by Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland. All of these countries averages are really close and small changes can re-arrange the list from year to year.

80% of the worldwide variance of happiness occurs within countries. In richer countries the variance of happiness is mainly explained by differences in mental health, physical health and personal relationships. In poorer countries earnings differences matter more; however their mental illness is also considered a major source of unhappiness. Unemployment and quality of work are also important factors to determine the variations in happiness.





Key variables to determine happiness differences among countries:

Income Healthy life expectancy Having someone to count on in times of trouble Generosity Freedom Trust (considering absence of corruption in business and government).









here.



Source: Helliwell, J., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2017). World Happiness Report 2017, New York: Sustainable Development Solutions Network. See full reportHelliwell, J., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2017). World Happiness Report 2017, New York: Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

The World Happiness Report was written by a group of independent experts acting in their personal capacities. Any views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization, agency or program of the United Nations.