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World Happiness Report: GDP doesn’t indicate happiness levels

Columbia University's Earth Institute has released its first-ever World Happiness Report, commissioned by the United Nations Conference on Happiness.

The 100+ pages — download the report in pdf here — aims to examine the state of happiness in the world today and the science behind that happiness.

Ariel Schwartz at Co.Exist gives an "ultra-abridged version of the findings," some of which are hardly surprising.

Rich people are generally happier than poor people, but personal freedom and social support can be more important factors in some countries.

Unemployment reduces happiness but not because of the financial hit. The loss of self-esteem and the social activity at the workplace hurt most. (Oddly, high employment rates can reduce happiness, too, as employees start fearing that they'll lose their jobs.)

Self-employment is good for happiness but only if it's a personal choice, not a necessity when other employment isn't available.

Levels of trust, and a stable family life also contribute to happiness levels.

Mental health matters most, with it being "the biggest single factor affecting happiness in any country. Yet only a quarter of mentally ill people get treatment for their condition in advanced countries and fewer in poorer countries."

Other interesting findings: happiness levels are ranked lowest in middle-aged individuals, and "behaving well" isn't just a socially responsible thing to do, it boosts happiness levels.

The report concludes that gross domestic product "is not the ultimate indicator of happiness."

From the report:

"GDP is important but not all that is important. This is especially true in developed countries, where most or all of the population has living standards far above basic material needs. Except in the very poorest countries happiness varies more with the quality of human relationships than with income. And in the richest countries it is essential not to subordinate the happiness of the people to the 'interests of the economy,' since the marginal utility of income is low when income is so high. The economy exists to serve the people, not vice versa. Incremental gains in income in a rich country may be much less beneficial to the population than steps to ensure the vibrancy of local communities or better mental health. "

Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley challenged officials at the conference to consider a nation's happiness when creating new policies.

Maybe it's time to pay attention to Gross Domestic Happiness.

What's your secret to happiness?