India Slips to 126th in the World Happiness Report 2024: A Deeper Look
The World Happiness Report 2024 has been released, and India's ranking has seen a slight decline from the previous year. In this year's report, India stands at 126th out of 143 countries, with a happiness score of 4.054, compared to its 125th position in 2023. This ranking highlights various social and economic factors that continue to shape the well-being of the nation's citizens.
The World Happiness Report is an annual publication that assesses happiness levels across countries based on multiple key indicators. These include:
Social Support: The availability of help from friends, family, and the community.
Income Levels: Economic stability and financial security of citizens.
Health: Life expectancy and access to healthcare.
Freedom: The ability of individuals to make life choices freely.
Generosity: Acts of kindness and charitable giving.
Absence of Corruption: Trust in government and institutions.
These indicators are measured using data from various sources, including the Gallup World Poll, ensuring a comprehensive and comparative analysis of happiness across different nations.
While India’s ranking at 126th raises concerns about overall happiness levels, it is crucial to examine how other countries performed.
Finland – Leading the list for the seventh consecutive year.
Denmark
Iceland
Sweden
Israel
Netherlands
Norway
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Australia
These countries have consistently ranked high due to strong social support systems, high income levels, and effective governance.
Interestingly, Pakistan secured the 108th position, ranking higher than India, further emphasizing the need for introspection regarding India's happiness determinants.
Several factors contribute to India’s lower ranking in the World Happiness Report. Some possible reasons include:
Economic Disparities: While India is one of the fastest-growing economies, wealth inequality remains a significant challenge.
Healthcare Challenges: Despite advancements, access to quality healthcare remains uneven across rural and urban areas.
Social Stressors: High levels of population density, pollution, and urban stress contribute to lower life satisfaction.
Governance and Corruption: Trust in institutions plays a major role in happiness, and corruption continues to be a concern in public services.
Mental Health Awareness: The stigma around mental health and the lack of widespread support systems impact overall happiness levels.
To improve its ranking in future reports, India needs to focus on:
Strengthening social security and welfare systems.
Increasing investment in healthcare and education.
Promoting mental health awareness and accessibility to services.
Encouraging community participation and social cohesion.
Implementing anti-corruption measures to restore trust in governance.
India’s position in the World Happiness Report 2024 is a reminder that economic progress alone does not ensure happiness. Holistic development, encompassing social, economic, and political reforms, is essential to improve the well-being of citizens. With conscious efforts, India can create a happier and more prosperous society in the years to come.
As the world marks International Day of Happiness on March 20, this report serves as a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike to strive for a more fulfilling and content future.