The World Happiness Report
* The World Happiness Report was created in 2012. This annual report ranks global happiness in more than 140 countries around the world. The ranking is based on six factors- social support…income…health…freedom…generosity and absence of corruption- using data from sources including the Gallup World Poll. Released every year in honor of the International Day of Happiness on March 20, it is a partnership between several outlets including the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Gallup and the Oxford Wellbeing Research Center.
* Finland has done it again. The 2024 World Happiness Report is out, and for the seventh year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world.
* But the news isn’t as good for the United States, which has hit a new low. The U.S. didn’t even make the top 20 list, the first time it has ranked so poorly since the World Happiness Report was created.
* This year’s top ten list is similar to past rankings in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, with many of the Nordic countries in the highest spots. Denmark once again took the number two spot, followed by Iceland (number three) and Sweden (number four). Norway ranked number seven.
* Last year, the U.S. came in at number 15. For 2024 , the U.S. plummeted to number 23. Even countries like Costa Rica and Lithuania, new entrants to the top 20 list, ranked higher. The reason? Happiness is lower in the U.S., especially among younger people.
* If the above results surprise you, ask the following question; how have members of Congress honored the pledge they made when they were sworn into office?
The Pledge
* Form a more perfect union.
* Establish justice.
* Ensure domestic tranquility.
* Provide for the common defense.
* Promote the general welfare.
* Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.
Compare your answers to Posts #21 and #35.
NO COMMON SENSE
ANALYZE THE EXAMPLE
* Which supports and barriers were in play?
* What were the dynamics?
* Who, or what, won the Tug-of-War?
* Discuss the outcome with your friends and family.
* Use Post #4 as a reference for the dynamics and relationships between supports and barriers.