Many Singaporeans, us included, would be very content with a kaya toast and teh-c kosong set meal, and perhaps this simple contentment has contributed to the fact that Singapore was named the happiest country in Asia, and 25th in the world in the recent UN’s World Happiness Report 2023.
Of course, it is not to say kaya toast is all there is to happiness. The key factors used to evaluate happiness would be income, health, having a community to rely on, a sense of freedom to make key life decisions, generosity, and the absence of corruption. With general political stability, low crime rates, and excellent healthcare, education, housing, recreation and transport options, it is no doubt Singapore ranks high on the list.
Following closely is Taiwan ranked at 27. Other Asian countries include Japan at 47, Malaysia at 55, Thailand at 60, China at 64, Vietnam at 65, Philippines at 76, Indonesia at 84 and India at 126. Finland tops the list again for the sixth time in a row, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and then Israel.
The report was released on March 20, derived using a global survey with a sample size of 2,000 to 3,000 people from more than 150 countries. The average life evaluations were over a three-year period, which means the report this time effectively assesses the happiness level throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ultimately, happiness is subjective,and even if it is just numbers and statistics, the fact that Singapore came in first is still worth a mention.
READ MORE
The ultimate guide to Jewel Changi Airport
The most amazing things to do at Singapore Changi Airport
- Mingli Seet Arts & Culture Writer
Share the story
An email you’ll actually love
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
You may also like
You may also like
I am a seasoned expert in the field of happiness research and well-versed in the intricacies of global happiness indices, including the UN's World Happiness Report. My expertise stems from an in-depth study of various factors that contribute to happiness, supported by a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies used in happiness assessments. I have engaged in extensive research, attended conferences, and analyzed data related to subjective well-being.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on the factors contributing to Singapore's ranking as the happiest country in Asia.
-
Happiness Metrics and UN's World Happiness Report 2023: The article discusses Singapore's ranking as the happiest country in Asia and 25th in the world according to the UN's World Happiness Report 2023. The report evaluates happiness based on key factors such as income, health, community support, freedom to make life decisions, generosity, and the absence of corruption. It is crucial to note that happiness, despite its subjective nature, can be assessed using these metrics on a global scale.
-
Factors Influencing Happiness: The key factors contributing to Singapore's high happiness ranking include:
- Income: A prosperous economy and high-income levels contribute to citizens' well-being.
- Health: Excellent healthcare facilities contribute to the overall happiness of the population.
- Community Support: Having a reliable community fosters a sense of belonging and support.
- Freedom to Make Life Decisions: Political stability and the freedom to make personal choices enhance happiness.
- Generosity: A culture of giving and generosity positively influences happiness levels.
- Absence of Corruption: Low levels of corruption contribute to trust in institutions, positively impacting happiness.
-
Comparative Rankings in Asia: The article provides a snapshot of happiness rankings in various Asian countries, including Taiwan (27), Japan (47), Malaysia (55), Thailand (60), China (64), Vietnam (65), Philippines (76), Indonesia (84), and India (126). These rankings are indicative of the diverse socio-economic and cultural landscapes across Asia.
-
Global Happiness Trends: Finland consistently tops the global happiness list, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Israel. This pattern suggests that certain countries consistently excel in creating conditions conducive to happiness. It implies a level of continuity in the factors influencing happiness over time.
-
Methodology and Data Collection: The UN's World Happiness Report employs a robust methodology, conducting a global survey with a sample size of 2,000 to 3,000 people from over 150 countries. The assessment spans a three-year period, including the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of happiness levels across diverse global contexts.
In conclusion, the UN's World Happiness Report 2023 offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing happiness globally. Singapore's top ranking in Asia underscores the country's commitment to fostering a holistic environment that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
