Singapore continues reign as happiest Asian nation

Globally, the country placed 30th place.

Singapore ranks the happiest place in Asia for 2023, making this the second time in a row in the latest World Happiness Report 2024. Out of the perfect score of eight, the country averaged 6.523. Singapore ranked 30th place in the overall ranking, trailing behind Kosovo.

Six key components were considered to get the maximum score. Namely, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perception of corruption. 

Additionally, individual happiness scores were assessed based on self-reported rankings ranging from one to eight, with eight representing maximum happiness.

Happiness changes vary globally. Central and Eastern Europe saw significant increases across all age groups, while the CIS countries experienced half as much growth. 

East Asia also saw notable increases, particularly among older individuals. Conversely, South Asia witnessed declines in life evaluations across all age brackets, with middle-aged groups being the most affected. 

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Happiness decreased notably in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with young people experiencing twice the decline compared to older demographics. 

Negative emotions increased everywhere except East Asia and Europe, where Central and Eastern Europe showed a decrease in negative emotions across all age groups. 

Southeast Asian countries, led by Indonesia and Singapore, experienced declining happiness across age groups, with young females having a slight advantage, particularly in Singapore.

In South Asia, middle-aged males reported the lowest happiness levels, resulting in a significant gender gap favouring females. In East Asia, happiness slightly declined with age, with females generally reporting higher levels of happiness across all age groups compared to males.