A UN-sponsored report has named Switzerland the third happiest country in the world for the second year running. This year’s report also looked at the effects of Covid-19 on people’s wellbeing.
Switzerland comes in behind Finland and Denmark, according to the World Happiness Report 2021External link released on Friday. Finland has come top for the fourth year running, in a ranking topped mainly by European countries. They occupy the top ten places, with the exception of New Zealand (in ninth place).
Germany came 13th, the UK 17th, the US 19th and France 21st. Bottom of the ranking of some 150 countries is Afghanistan.
The study, published annually since 2012, mainly uses Gallup opinion polls asking people about their own level of happiness, cross-referenced with GDP and assessments of the level of solidarity, individual freedom and corruption.
This year’s “Happiness Report” was faced with “a unique challenge in trying to understand what effect the pandemic has had on subjective well-being and vice versa”, say the authors. “The World Happiness Report 2021 reminds us that we must aim for wellbeing rather than mere wealth, which will be fleeting indeed if we don’t do a much better job of addressing the challenges of sustainable development.”
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The chance to participate in politics is the key to happiness
This content was published on
In many parts of the world, people’s level of satisfaction with their own democracy is diminishing according to a recent study.
Switzerland drops to fifth in global happiness ranking
This content was published on
For the third year in a row, Switzerland has dropped in the United Nation’s World Happiness report – though it still remains towards the top.
This content was published on
The rankings in the “World Happiness Report” issued on Thursday are based on measurements of well-being by experts in fields such as economics, health and psychology. Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Canada claim the next spots. It is the third time since 2012 that the assessment has been done. The report says the aim is to…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.