The UK has officially dropped two places in the annual World Happiness Report compared to last year. That means we only just make it into the world's top 20 happiest countries, according to an annual league table of the almost 137 nations sponsored by the UN.
Despite the events of the last few months, a new Ipsos survey shows 77% of Britons say they are very or fairly happy, putting them among the happiest countries in the world (research was carried out from 24 July to 7 August in 27 countries around the world).
Is the UK on the list of the happiest countries? The UK is not in the top 10 of the happiest countries in the world. It does, however, appear in the top 20 – this year, it is the 19th happiest country in the world, following behind Australia (12th), Canada (13th), Ireland (14th), and the United States (15th).
Average ratings of well-being have improved across all four measures of personal well-being for the UK in the year ending March 2022 when compared with the previous year ending March 2021 (Figure 1). The ratings were: 7.54 out of 10 for life satisfaction (7.39 in the previous year)
Australia scored highly in the United Nations' 2022 World Happiness Report, ranking as the 12th happiest country out of 156 countries – ahead of Canada (15th), the United States (16th) and the United Kingdom (17th).
While the cost of living in Australia is generally higher than in the UK, it offers a high quality of life and a great lifestyle. Ultimately, the decision to move to either country depends on personal preferences and circumstances.
Australia has a much more laid-back culture than England. Australians are known for their mate ship and easy-going attitudes. There is a strong focus on enjoying life and having a good time. This doesn't mean that Australians don't work hard, but they definitely know how to enjoy their leisure time.
The UK is a melting pot and we love that about the country. It's a source of historical, cultural and culinary richness, and on full display in cities like London and Manchester. Britain is an eccentric, quirky nation. And mighty proud of it too.
St Ives has been named Britain's happiest place to live. The Cornish seaside town overtook Hexham in Northumberland to take this year's top spot in Rightmove's survey.
The UK population is growing
The population size of the United Kingdom is now more than 67 million people, which is the biggest it has ever been. In 1950, the population was 50 million: the Office for National Statistics (ONS) projects that it will pass 70 million in 2035.
Australia's long been referred to as 'the lucky country' and now we can start saying we're one of the happiest countries in the world, too. The United Nation's 2023 World Happiness Index has just been released, and Australia has come in at a very cheery 12th position.
Best Places To Live In UK. The UK has been a fantastically popular destination worldwide for decades, and this is set to continue into the future. It is renowned for being a melting pot of different cultures, a truly global city. Experience the exhilaration that only London can provide, every day!
Culture. The UK is bursting with art and culture! Cultural diversity is the backbone of British life with workplaces and communities embracing diversity. The UK also has some of the greatest museums, art galleries, music venues, sporting events and theatres that the world has to offer.
Good manners are expected in the UK
“If Britain is famed anywhere for “unrelenting politeness”, it is nowhere more so than in Britain itself, where the national reputation for good manners is treated as a badge of honour.”
British etiquette dictates courteousness at all times, which means forming an orderly queue in a shop or for public transport, saying excuse me when someone is blocking your way and saying please and thank you for any service you have received is de rigueur.
In January to March 2022, the four measures of personal well-being continued to remain below their pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) levels and the levels in January to March 2017, showing long-term deterioration in personal well-being in the UK (Figure 1).
Oxford, England
Oxford is another university city that's celebrated for its friendliness. The Friendship Index poll that we've already referenced, which asks respondents questions about kindness, encouragement, and looking after others, actually ranked Oxford as the number one friendliest city in the UK.
Finland is the No. 1 happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row. Finland has been the happiest country in the world since 2016. The World Happiness Report released its annual ranking of the happiest countries in the world and for the sixth year in a row Finland has landed in the top spot.
1. Finland: For the sixth year in a row, Finland is the world's happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report. Aleksanterinkatu (Aleksi Street) in Helsinki is pictured.
British people can also either be English, Scottish, Welsh, or Irish (from Northern Ireland only). The British are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and especially for their sense of humour.
#1 The British accent
The accent proved particularly popular in countries like China, Sweden, India and the USA.
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for British expats. Perhaps it's the climate, the common language, or the promise of barbecues at Christmas.
Adelaide with its graceful buildings and abundant parkland is sometimes described as the most British, even English, of Australian cities.
The cost of living in Australia is, on average, 21% higher than the cost of living in the UK. And the average salary in Australia is 17.4% higher than this in the UK.