In the latest release from the 2024 World Happiness Report, Canada finds itself at the 15th position globally, revealing a subtle, yet significant shift in the nation’s overall happiness quotient. Despite Canada’s reputation for high quality of life and general contentment among its population, a deeper dive into the data uncovers a disturbing trend among its youth. According to Chris Barrington-Leigh, an associate professor at McGill University, “We have a very, very unhappy youth,” indicating a growing concern over the declining life satisfaction among Canadians under 30.
The World Happiness Report, which gathers its data from the Gallup World Poll, offers a comprehensive overview of global happiness by analyzing responses from over 140 countries. For the period of 2021-23, Canada’s drop to the 15th spot marks a notable decline, particularly when considering the happiness levels of different age demographics within the country. This year, for the first time, the report included rankings based on age, showing a stark difference in happiness between younger Canadians and those aged 60 and older. While Canada ranked eighth in the happiness of the older demographic, it plummeted to 58th when considering the responses of those under 30.
The top 20 list
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, the top 20 happiest countries in the world are:
- Finland;
- Denmark;
- Iceland;
- Sweden;
- Israel;
- Netherlands;
- Norway;
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland;
- Australia;
- New Zealand;
- Costa Rica;
- Kuwait;
- Austria;
- Canada;
- Belgium;
- Ireland;
- Czechia;
- Lithuania; and
- United Kingdom
The Underlying Causes
Several factors contribute to the unhappiness felt by Canadian youth. Barrington-Leigh points to a decrease in support from family and friends, dwindling trust in government, and an increase in stress and anxiety as primary drivers. Moreover, a sense of instability and insecurity, crucial to overall life satisfaction, seems to be lacking among the younger population. “One of the securities that are important for life satisfaction is actually just stability, feeling safe,” Barrington-Leigh explains, highlighting the uncertainty that plagues many young Canadians today.
Additionally, the economic landscape, particularly the housing market and cost of living, plays a significant role in this trend. The report’s findings coincide with a period of heightened inflation and economic pressure on Canadian households. Vance Foreman, a 29-year-old from Fredericton, N.B., reflects on the challenges faced by his generation, stating, “It’s a lot harder to save for a home, groceries and stuff. … I can see that having a lot of people bummed out.” The sentiment echoes a broader concern over diminishing social safety nets and the increasing difficulty in achieving financial stability.
The Global Perspective and the Path Forward
Globally, Finland retains its position as the happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, with Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel rounding out the top five. The United States, meanwhile, has dropped from 15th to 23rd place. The bottom of the list is led by countries like Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Lesotho, highlighting the vast disparities in happiness and wellbeing across different regions.
The findings from the 2024 World Happiness Report serve as a wake-up call for Canada to address the needs and concerns of its younger population. As John Helliwell, a founding editor of the report, suggests, fostering a sense of generosity and community can be a starting point for improving happiness. “The good news is everybody out there is much more generous than you think they are,” Helliwell encourages, advocating for a culture of openness and connection.
As Canada grapples with the findings of this report, it’s clear that efforts to enhance the happiness and satisfaction of its youth must be prioritized. Addressing economic pressures, improving the housing market, and fostering a supportive community are essential steps towards reversing the trend of declining happiness among Canadians under 30.
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