Malaysia ranks fifth in ASEAN and 64th worldwide in the World Happiness Report, sharing an average of 11 meals weekly. The report highlights social trust and community connection as key factors in happiness. Finland leads globally for the eighth consecutive year, while Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan are among the least happy countries. Gallup emphasizes investing in relationships to foster stronger communities.
The latest World Happiness Report ranks Malaysia as the fifth happiest nation in the ASEAN region and 64th globally. Malaysians are noted for their social interactions, sharing approximately 11 meals per week with others. The rankings reveal Singapore leading ASEAN countries at 34th globally, followed by Vietnam at 46th and Thailand at 49th.
Other ASEAN nations include Indonesia at 83rd, Laos at 93rd, Cambodia at 124th, and Myanmar at 126th. Notably, Brunei was excluded from this year’s survey. Finland continues to dominate the report, achieving the top spot for the eighth consecutive year with a Life Evaluation Index score of 7.736, followed by Denmark and Iceland.
Among the lowest-ranked countries on the happiness scale are Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan, situated at 141st, 142nd, and 143rd, respectively. Conflict-affected Palestine stands at 108th, higher than Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt, with an average satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 10.
Gallup CEO Jon Clifton emphasized that happiness extends beyond mere wealth and growth, highlighting the importance of trust and community connections. He stated, “This year’s report proves we underestimate how kind the world really is. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters – each other.” The World Happiness Report is issued in connection with the UN’s International Day of Happiness and reflects data gathered from approximately 1,000 individuals per country annually.
In summary, Malaysia is recognized as a relatively happy nation within ASEAN, ranking fifth in the region and 64th globally. The report highlights the significance of social bonds, with Malaysian citizens enjoying shared meals and connections. The underlying message stresses the importance of community trust and support in enhancing happiness, as reflected by Gallup’s findings. The overall rankings point to varying levels of happiness across nations, reinforcing a call for prioritizing human connections.
Original Source: www.dailyexpress.com.my
