About two-thirds (59%) of the world population declared they are happy. 2017 has been a tough year with political and economic instability around the world and this may have influenced personal lives. Nevertheless, the majority in all polled countries are happy.
These are the resuts of the traditional End of Year Survey, initiated in 1947 and ongoing since then. The fieldwork this year was conducted in 55 countries worldwide in the last quarter of the year and some of the WIN members participated to the survey. The data concerning the Global Barometer on prosperity, hope and happiness and Global leaders (see next article) are published today.
The world today shares +49 net happiness – compared to +59 a year ago. Throughout 55 countries surveyed, 8% said that they were unhappy – almost the same with 9% at the end of 2016 and 10% at the end of 2015.
Latin America seems to be the happiest continent in the world (net score of +66 in this region).
Looking at a country level, Fiji is the happiest country. Colombia with a net score of +86 is right after Fiji. At the end of the list there are Iran and Iraq respectively with +5 and +7.
Read the full press release on Hope, Economic Optimism and Happiness Worldwide at this link.