Ireland is named one of the happiest countries in the world

Ireland has been named one of the happiest countries in the world for 2021 in the World Happiness report.

Last year Ireland was the 16th happiest country, according to the annual listings and the new list shows that the country has moved up a few places.

Ireland has leapfrogged the UK, into 13th place in the overall list.

The Scandinavians continue to dominate the happiness rankings with Finland being named in the top spot for the fourth year in a row.

Denmark, Sweden and Norway were all also included in the top ten.

Iceland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and New Zealand made up the rest of the top ten.

The World Happiness Report creates its listings by examining data relating to a variety of issues that could affect a population’s happiness levels such as GDP, life expectancy, freedom, generosity and social support.

The report for 2021 was, of course, dominated by how populations are dealing with life during the covid-19 pandemic.

Mental health is a key issue with millions of people’s lives being turned upside-down over the last 12 months.

The report was made by surveying sections of the populations of the countries included. The survey in Ireland revealed that people felt positive effects from getting outdoors and exercising and negative effects from spending excess time on social media.

It said: “Exercising during the pandemic predicts higher well-being. In a sample of about 600 adults in Ireland surveyed a day after stay-at-home orders, those who spent more time outdoors and engaged in activities such as exercising or going for a walk reported more positive affect and less negative affect.

“Similarly, a study of 604 adults in Ireland reported greater negative affect when using social media. Although social connection is vital in times of stress, such as a global pandemic, and many may use social media to connect with others while at a physical distance, research seems to point to social media having detrimental psychological outcomes.”

For more information check out the full report here.

Top 20 happiest countries in the world

1 – Finland
2 – Iceland
3 – Denmark
4 – Switzerland
5 – Netherlands
6 – Sweden
7 – Germany
8 – Norway
9 – New Zealand
10 – Austria
11 – Israel
12 – Australia
13 – Ireland
14 – USA
15 – Canada
16 – Czech Republic
17 – Belgium
18 – UK
19 – Taiwan Province of China
20 – France

Top 20 happiest countries in the world

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