Malaysia Ranks Fifth Happiest in ASEAN and 64th Globally

Malaysia ranks fifth happiest in ASEAN and 64th globally, with 11 shared meals per week reported by citizens. Finland continues to lead as the happiest country, while Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan rank among the least happy. Happiness is defined by trust and connection, as stated by Gallup CEO Jon Clifton. The World Happiness Report is a collaborative effort released annually to assess global contentment.

Malaysia has achieved recognition as the fifth happiest country in the ASEAN region, ranking 64th globally. It is indicated that on average, Malaysians share approximately 11 meals per week with others, contributing to their overall sense of happiness. The rankings were led by Singapore at the 34th position, followed by Vietnam at 46th, and Thailand at 49th. Other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar followed, with Brunei excluded from the survey.

Finland continues to reign as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, boasting a Life Evaluation Index score of 7.736. Denmark and Iceland secured the second and third positions respectively in the global rankings. Conversely, the least happy nations include Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan, which ranked 141st, 142nd, and 143rd respectively. Palestine, despite ongoing conflicts, ranked 108th, outperforming countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Palestinians reported an average happiness score of 4.7 out of 10.

Gallup CEO Jon Clifton remarked that happiness extends beyond mere wealth and economic growth. It encompasses elements such as trust, connection, and having a supportive community. He emphasized that “this year’s report proves we underestimate how kind the world really is.” Clifton concluded that fostering stronger communities and economies necessitates investing in one another.

The World Happiness Report, associated with the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, is compiled through a collaboration between Gallup, the Oxford Well-being Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the editorial board of the World Happiness Report. Each year, approximately 1,000 individuals from each surveyed country provide their insights into happiness.

In conclusion, Malaysia’s ranking as the fifth happiest in ASEAN and 64th globally reflects the significance of social interactions in fostering happiness. Findings indicate a broader context of global happiness, led by Finland and marked by diverse factors influencing well-being. It is crucial to acknowledge that true happiness relies on communal support and connection, as articulated by Gallup’s CEO. The annual World Happiness Report serves as an essential tool in understanding and enhancing global happiness through collaborative efforts.

Original Source: www.dailyexpress.com.my