Happiness is a concept that everyone pursues but defines in different ways. For some, it stems from health, spending time with loved ones, or leading a peaceful life. However, when we consider happiness at a societal level, it takes on a broader meaning. The World Happiness Report is an annual study that seeks to understand this global quest for happiness and compare the levels of well-being across different countries. This report not only identifies which countries have the happiest citizens but also provides inspiring and positive stories that offer hope to people around the world.
What is the World Happiness Report?
Published by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the World Happiness Report ranks countries around the world based on their happiness levels. This report measures the happiness levels of countries by considering various factors such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. However, the report is not solely based on numerical data; it also includes survey results on how people feel and how satisfied they are with their lives. This approach highlights that happiness encompasses not only material but also spiritual and social dimensions.
The Happiest Countries of 2024
As in previous years, the 2024 report reveals which countries are the happiest globally. The top of the list is usually dominated by Scandinavian countries, reflecting a long-standing trend. Countries like Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are known for their high standards of living, strong social support networks, and low corruption levels. People in these countries feel secure, express themselves freely, and have a deep sense of belonging to their communities.
One of the biggest reasons for the high happiness levels in these countries is their strong social welfare systems. Everyone has access to healthcare, education, and basic life necessities. This allows people to look to the future with confidence and strengthens their ability to cope with the challenges life brings. Additionally, the people in these countries place great importance on values like generosity and social solidarity, which form the foundation of social peace.
The Top 100 Countries: Happiness Ranking
Below is the ranking of the top 100 countries in the 2024 World Happiness Report:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Sweden
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Canada
- Australia
- Israel
- Germany
- Ireland
- USA
- Czechia
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- United Arab Emirates
- France
- Costa Rica
- Slovenia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Italy
- Uruguay
- Malta
- Bahrain
- Slovakia
- Chile
- Taiwan
- Poland
- Brazil
- El Salvador
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Lithuania
- Japan
- South Korea
- Hungary
- Argentina
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Romania
- Trinidad ve Tobago
- Uzbekistan
- Northern Cyprus
- Portekiz
- Moldova
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- Greece
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Caribbean Islands (United Kingdom)
- Vietnam
- Guatemala
- Colombia
- Bolivia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- China
- Russia
- Belarus
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- North Macedonia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Georgia
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Dominican Republic
- Honduras
- Libya
- Azerbaijan
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkmenistan
- Senegal
- Egypt
- Cameroon
- Benin
- Madagascar
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Namibia
- Laos
- Bangladesh
- Iran
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Ghana
- Uganda
- Kenya
Turkey’s Situation
In the 2024 World Happiness Report, Turkey ranks 82nd. This position marks a slight decline compared to the country’s performance in recent years. Turkey’s ranking is determined by a combination of factors.
1. Economic Situation:
Turkey’s economy has experienced fluctuations in recent years. High inflation rates, rising living costs, and fluctuations in exchange rates have negatively impacted people’s levels of well-being. The decline in per capita income is a direct factor that has affected the general happiness of citizens.
2. Social Support and Community Solidarity:
Turkey has strong family structures and community solidarity. However, economic difficulties and rising unemployment rates have put pressure on social support systems. Increasing unemployment and uncertainty, especially among young people, are among the factors that have reduced overall life satisfaction.
3. Health and Education:
Access to healthcare has significantly improved in Turkey, and the overall healthcare system is strong. However, regional disparities in access to education remain a significant issue, particularly for people living in rural areas. Differences in education quality have a decisive impact on people’s long-term life satisfaction.
4. Freedom and Justice:
Perceptions of freedom, justice, and corruption are other key factors affecting Turkey’s ranking. Increasing restrictions on press freedom and concerns about judicial independence in recent years have negatively impacted the general satisfaction of the public. These elements can reduce the level at which people feel secure and at peace.
5. Hope for the Future:
People’s hopes for the future in Turkey have diminished due to economic and political uncertainties. However, Turkey’s young and dynamic population has the potential to create better conditions in the future. Investments in education and innovation can positively influence Turkey’s future happiness ranking.
Conclusion
The World Happiness Report is a crucial tool for understanding the levels of well-being and happiness across countries worldwide. Turkey ranks in the middle of this list, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the country. For Turkey to advance in the happiness rankings, economic stability, improvements in education and healthcare services, and strengthening perceptions of freedom and justice are essential.
Turkey’s young population and strong cultural ties reveal the country’s potential. Steps taken in these areas in the future can lead Turkey to higher positions in the happiness rankings. However, for this to happen, well-being must increase across all sectors of society, and social peace must be ensured. Although this process will take time, with the right steps, Turkey has a high potential to become a happier and more prosperous society in the future.