Azerbaijan at 80th Place in World Happiness Index

The World Happiness Index in 2015 has been reported. It was developed in the decision-making network for sustainable development (SDSN) under the auspices of the UN.

SDSN consists of representatives from academia, government and the private sector. For the first time the Happiness Index was compiled in 2012.

During the preparation of the annual ranking experts study the situation in 158 countries and its purpose is to influence public policy. The study is based on data from Gallup World Poll and takes into account factors such as per capita GDP at purchasing power parity, the social support level (if there is anybody on whom a person could rely in trouble), life expectancy at birth (WHO data), the personal freedom level, the generosity and philanthropy level, the perception of corruption, and the reasons for joy or concern in the days preceding the poll. The index is based on data for the years 2012-2014.

"More and more happiness is considered to be an adequate measure of social progress and the goal of public policy. Rapidly growing is the number of national and local authorities using the index of happiness and the results of this study in the search for measures to improve the lives of people," the report on SDSN says.

The list of leaders is headed by Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Canada. It is completed by Togo, Burundi, Syria, Benin and Rwanda.

Azerbaijan took the 80th place in the ranking, as well as last year. It was ahead of countries such as Pakistan, Serbia, Latvia, China and Romania, but behind Turkey, Turkmenistan, Estonia, Belarus and Russia.

Far behind are the South Caucasian neighbors: Armenia occupied the 127th place, and Georgia was the 130^th.   -0-