World Happiness Day: History, Importance & Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World
Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World: Every year on March 20th, World Happiness Day is celebrated to emphasize the importance of happiness and wellbeing. This international celebration, which was started by the United Nations, draws attention to the need for a more sustainable, egalitarian, and inclusive strategy for economic growth—one that places equal emphasis on happiness and well-being as well as material success. According to the report Finland has been the world’s happiest nation for eight years.
History of International Day of Happiness
Bhutan, a nation renowned for emphasizing Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is where the concept of Global Happiness Day first emerged. Bhutan has long promoted a comprehensive strategy for development that strikes a balance between economic expansion and the welfare of the environment, society, and culture.
Motivated by Bhutan’s example, the United Nations formally proclaimed March 20 as the International Day of Happiness in 2012. The inaugural event was held in 2013, urging countries to prioritize policies that improve the lives of people.
Importance of Celebrating the International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness, celebrated on March 20, serves as a reminder that everyone has the inherent right and desire to be happy. This day recognizes the value of a balanced, inclusive, and fair economic strategy that promotes sustainability, the fight against poverty, and general well-being.
India is ranked 126th out of 143 countries, the same position it had last year. China, its neighbor, is ranked 60th, followed by Nepal (93), Pakistan (108), Myanmar (118), Sri Lanka (128), Bangladesh (129), and Afghanistan (bottom of the list).
The World’s Top 10 Happiest Countries
| Rank | Country | World Happiness score 2024 (0-10) |
| 1. | Finland | 7.74 |
| 2. | Denmark | 7.58 |
| 3. | Iceland | 7.53 |
| 4. | Sweden | 7.34 |
| 5. | Israel | 7.34 |
| 6. | Netherlands | 7.32 |
| 7. | Norway | 7.30 |
| 8. | Luxembourg | 7.12 |
| 9. | Switzerland | 7.06 |
| 10. | Australia | 7.06 |
