Kuwait Ranked Happiest Country In GCC, 13th Globally
In a recent unveiling that coincided with the International Day of Happiness, Kuwait emerged as the leader in the Arabian Gulf region, marking its first entry into the top 20 globally and ranking 13th worldwide. This represented a significant leap from its 50th place last year, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia trailing closely behind.
The UAE has proudly secured the 22nd spot globally and the second in the region according to the World Happiness Report 2024. This achievement highlights the nation's unwavering dedication to fostering an environment where happiness and well-being are accessible to all its residents. With the elderly emerging as the happiest demographic, it reflects the country's successful efforts in ensuring a high quality of life for its senior citizens.
The UAE's score of 6.733 in the average life evaluation, derived from Gallup Polls data, places it confidently within the 14-29 range out of a 95% confidence interval. Gallup Polls, known for its credible public opinion polling in over 140 countries, serves as the primary data source for the World Happiness Report. This year's findings continue to underline the importance of happiness as an integral part of national development and societal progress.
The UAE's ranking not only showcases its commitment to enhancing the lives of its citizens but also sets a benchmark for other nations in the region to aspire towards. As the country continues to prioritise happiness and well-being, it remains a model of prosperity and contentment in the global community.
Finland retained its position as the happiest country worldwide for the seventh year running. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden followed closely, underlining the Nordic countries' dominance in the happiness index.
The report's methodology involves assessing happiness levels across various age groups and generations, focusing on life evaluations and feelings. It categorizes participants into three main age groups: those 30 years and below, those over 60, and a middle-aged group split further into two subcategories (30-44 and 45-59). Countries' rankings are based on average life ratings collected from 2021 to 2023, providing a comprehensive overview of global happiness trends.
One notable method for evaluating happiness is through the Cantril Scale's one-item life assessment question, which measures individuals' well-being and suffering. This approach offers a reliable indicator of overall happiness, allowing for a detailed comparison of country rankings across different age groups over various periods. Interestingly, the report revealed a significant decline in happiness in regions including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly among younger populations. The US notably dropped to 23rd place.

