May 23, 2025 l Manila Times
The 2024 World Happiness Report (WHR) offers a comprehensive analysis of global well-being, ranking 143 countries based on citizens’ self-reported life satisfaction.
It is more a study of life satisfaction than smiles. It is an annual United Nations-backed study, the Gallup World Poll, where participants are asked to rate their life satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10.
Finland was No. 1 for the eighth consecutive year with a solid 7.7 rating, well above the global country average of 5.6.
In a pleasant surprise, the Philippines rated respectably at 6.107 and ranked 53rd, marking a significant improvement from its 76th position in 2023. This 23-spot rise, the country’s highest since 2020, positions it as the second-happiest nation in Southeast Asia, following Singapore at 30th.
Among East and Southeast Asian countries, Singapore is followed by Taiwan (31st), Japan (51st) and South Korea (52nd). The Philippines was the fifth-happiest country in this group this year.
The WHR evaluates happiness using six primary indicators:
– Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita reflects the economic prosperity of a country.
– Social support checks the availability of assistance from others during times of need.
– Healthy life expectancy assesses the average number of years individuals live in good health.
– Freedom to make life choices measures the autonomy individuals have over their life decisions.
– Generosity considers the willingness of people to help others, including charitable donations and volunteer work.
– Perceptions of corruption gauges the level of trust in public institutions and the prevalence of corruption.
For the first time, the WHR gave separate rankings by age group, which differed significantly from the overall rankings. For example, Lithuania is the happiest country for people under 30, while Denmark topped the list for those over 60 years old.
The Philippines was the 70th happiest nation for those under 30 years old, since young Filipinos had an average life evaluation score of 6.305 which is above the overall score.
Likewise, it was the 43rd happiest country for people ages 60 and above, but older Filipinos had a lower life evaluation score of 5.976. Younger Filipinos reported higher life satisfaction compared to older age groups, but the youth elsewhere seemed to fare better, using the rank as basis.
In a review of the explanatory factors and their ranking, the Philippines did well in social support (68th) and freedom (19th). Close-knit family structures and community ties provided robust and strong social support. Filipinos are known for their optimism and ability to find joy amid challenges. They are culturally resilient.
Especially among the youth, Filipinos now focus on work-life balance, an emphasis on enjoying life and maintaining balance which contributes to overall well-being.
As expected, the ranking on GDP per capita was low (89th). While GDP per capita has improved, income inequality remains a concern. Ranking for healthy life expectancy is not shown, indicating how ensuring equitable access to quality health care is a need. Perception of corruption (78th) is indicative of the need for the government to address the issues of greater trust in institutions.
Generosity (91st) ranks lowest among the indicators. As explained by WHR, “people are too pessimistic about the kindness of their communities. The return rate of lost wallets is far more than people expect. Our well-being depends on our perceptions of others’ benevolence, as well as their actual benevolence. Since we underestimate the kindness of others, our well-being can be improved by receiving information about their true benevolence.”
The Philippines’ notable rise in the World Happiness Report reflects positive developments in various sectors. We are just coming from a divisive midterm election characterized by the breakdown of an administration team initially installed on the promise of “unity.” Despite the issues raised in this election campaign from all sides, the WHR continues to indicate that our people have a positive outlook, and election results seem to show there is hope.
My prayer is that our leadership will use data from this study to pinpoint strategies that will enhance national happiness. The challenges are very clear: strengthen social safety nets, promote transparency and good governance, invest in health care (on hindsight, the national appropriation cuts on PhilHealth apparently affected the voting judgment), support youth development through education and employment opportunities (they made a big dent in the votes), and foster community collective well-being.
***The views expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of his office as well as FINEX. For comments, email benel_dba@yahoo.com. Photo is from Pinterest.