What's happened
The Global Flourishing Study, conducted by researchers from Harvard and others, ranks countries based on broader well-being metrics. Indonesia tops the list, while Japan ranks lowest. The study emphasizes the importance of social relationships and community involvement over mere economic wealth. Findings were published in Nature Mental Health on May 1, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Key Findings
- Indonesia's Ranking: Indonesia scored highest in flourishing, highlighting strong social ties and community involvement despite economic challenges.
- Japan's Low Score: Japan, despite its wealth, ranked lowest due to weak social connections, illustrating that economic prosperity does not guarantee well-being.
- Age and Flourishing: The study found that flourishing varies with age, with younger individuals in some countries reporting lower well-being compared to older generations.
- Community Engagement: Participation in group activities, especially religious services, is linked to higher flourishing scores, suggesting that social engagement is crucial for well-being.
Implications
The findings challenge the notion that wealth alone leads to happiness, suggesting that fostering community and social relationships is essential for improving overall well-being. Policymakers should consider these factors when designing initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the limitations of traditional happiness metrics, stating that they often correlate with economic prosperity rather than true well-being. In contrast, the South China Morning Post emphasizes Indonesia's unique cultural values that prioritize social bonds over material wealth. The NY Post notes Copenhagen's ranking as the happiest city, reinforcing the idea that urban environments can significantly influence happiness through governance and community services. These varying perspectives illustrate the complexity of measuring happiness and well-being across different cultures and contexts.
How we got here
The Global Flourishing Study aims to expand on the World Happiness Report by assessing well-being through various life aspects. Conducted between 2022 and 2024, it surveyed over 200,000 respondents across 23 countries, revealing that happiness is influenced by social connections and community engagement, not just economic status.
Go deeper
- What factors contribute to Indonesia's high ranking?
- How does Japan's situation reflect broader trends?
- What can other countries learn from these findings?
Common question
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Why is Copenhagen the Happiest City in 2025?
Copenhagen has been named the happiest city in the world for 2025 by the Institute for Quality of Life. This ranking raises intriguing questions about what makes a city truly happy and how it compares to others globally. Let's explore the factors contributing to this accolade and what other cities can learn from Copenhagen's success.
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What are the key findings of the Global Flourishing Study?
The Global Flourishing Study, recently published in Nature Mental Health, offers a fresh perspective on well-being across various countries. It challenges traditional metrics of happiness by emphasizing social connections and community involvement. This page explores the study's key findings, including country rankings and insights into how well-being can be improved globally.
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How Do Conflicts Like the One in Lebanon Affect Community Well-Being?
Conflicts, such as the recent escalation in Lebanon, have profound impacts on community well-being. Understanding these effects can help us grasp the broader implications of violence and instability on societal health. This raises further questions about the role of social connections during crises and how well-being studies can inform conflict resolution strategies.
More on these topics
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
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Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, covering an area of 312,696 square kilometres, and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.