Following a United Nations General Assembly resolution passed in 2012, every March 20 is observed as the International Day of Happiness, which recognizes the “relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.”

According to the UN, among the tenets included in promoting happiness are more inclusivity, an equitable and balanced approach to economic growth, and poverty eradication.

Last year’s World Happiness Report found the Philippines ranked 71st on the happiness scale, while Scandinavian countries Finland, Norway, and Denmark topped the list.

Factors such as gross domestic product per capita, or the value of goods and services per person; life expectancy; freedom to make life choices; generosity; freedom from corruption; among others are considered when determining “happiness.”

An ABS-CBN news report from earlier this year cited a Gallup survey that found the Philippines was the “third-happiest country in the world.”

In contrast to the World Happiness Report, the Gallup survey found Fiji to be the happiest country, followed by Colombia. In addition, it also found Hong Kong to be one of the “unhappiest” places./WDJ