Belgians are happier than ever
According to the World Happiness Report, an American study, it would appear that Belgians are feeling happier and happier. Do you agree?
Every year, the United Nations supports an annual survey to measure how satisfied and happy people feel across different countries. This year, the report covered 147 nations, including Belgium. A range of factors are considered when establishing a ranking: GDP (gross domestic product), health, social support (friends, family and community, etc.), income, freedom, generosity and more.
The results are in, and (unsurprisingly) for the eighth year running, Finland was named the happiest country in the world. Denmark and Iceland follow closely behind in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Did you know that Nordic and Scandinavian countries usually rank in the top 20? Could cold climates hold the secret to happiness?
Don't worry, we're not going to list all 147 countries here. But here are the results for our neighbouring countries: the Netherlands came in 5th, Luxembourg 9th, Germany 22nd and France 33rd. And Belgium? For the first time ever, Belgium reached 14th place - the highest it has ever ranked! Last year, we were in 16th position, so we're heading in the right direction!