It’s official! The people of Denmark are still the happiest folks in the world. This is according to a new report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The report was based on a survey of 40 countries called the “How’s Life?” initiative. The OECD analyzed data from 2010 Gallup world polls to find out about the disposition of people in those nations covered. The organization looked into the various factors that have a great impact on the happiness of people.
For the Danes, they gave their life satisfaction aspect a 7.8 average rating on a scale of 0 to 10. Following them on the second spot were the people from Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, Israel and Finland. Occupying the third spot are the citizens of Ireland, Austria and the U.S. who gave a 7.2 rating.
In terms of their daily disposition, the Danes responded positively when asked about their feeling for today. An estimated 88 percent claimed to have felt positive emotions.
As to which factors in life have a major influence on a person’s well-being, the OECD study found that having a job tops the list. For many people, a good job not only provides them with steady income but it also helps in shaping their personal identity and providing opportunities for social relationships. Other factors that contribute to people’s happiness in many ways are an access to green space, shorter commutes, a clean environment, good health, engaging in political activity and being able to spend time with family and friends.
People’s well-being has improved over the past 15 years, according to the OECD research findings. This is attributed to people having jobs, more earnings, better housing conditions, being able to gain education and exposed to lesser pollution and crimes.
With these findings, the organization called on government officials to also include in their goals implementing programs that can improve their people’s well-being moving forward.
Be the first to comment