Singapore drops to 34th in world happiness ranking

Singapore has fallen in the World Happiness Ranking, dropping to 34th place in 2024, according to a report released on March 20. This marks a four-place decline from last year and is the lowest ranking for Singapore since the report began in 2012. Previously, Singapore ranked 30th and was the happiest country in Asia. This year, Taiwan took that title, ranking 27th. The report analyzed data from 147 countries, looking at several factors such as social support, economy, health, freedom, generosity, and corruption perceptions. Most countries in East Asia, including Japan and South Korea, also saw declines. The top five happiest countries were led by Finland for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The research highlights that social ties and connections play a significant role in happiness. Countries like Costa Rica and Mexico scored well despite lower wealth, benefiting from strong family and community ties. The report also noted an increase in global anxiety and social disconnection, particularly among young people. In Singapore, the lowest scores came from perceptions of social support and freedom. A study showed that the number of close friends among Singaporeans decreased from around ten in 2018 to six in 2024. Experts noted that weaker social connections can lead to mental health issues and a decline in happiness. While Singapore still ranks highest in Southeast Asia, improvements in social support and work-life balance could enhance overall happiness. There is potential for growth in this area, as neighbors like Vietnam have made significant strides in their happiness rankings. Promoting kindness and community support could also lead to better mental health and life satisfaction.