In Australia, after 15 years of research, they've been able to conclude that on the whole, Australians are pretty happy thanks to three key elements dubbed the golden triangle: financial security, good relationships and a sense of purpose. However, these three elements must work together in order to achieve happiness.
Income, location and social network are just some of the factors that contribute to our quality of life in Australia, and indeed help Australians live a happy life.
The 2023 World Happiness Index has just been released, and this year, Australia came out on (sort of) top.
Eight in 10 (80%) Australians are describing themselves as happy, however this is a fall from 85% in December 2021, according to Ipsos's latest Global Happiness survey. On average globally, nearly three in four (73%) adults across 32 countries describe themselves as happy.
Here's some news to pop a smile on your dial. 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.
But it's India that takes the crown as the most recent nation to fall in love with the varied landscapes of Australia, with an impressive 15.4 per cent increase in travellers.
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).
Aussie Modesty
Humility and authenticity are strong values in Australian culture. As such, Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else. They also tend to value sincerity, humour, informality, whilst loathing pretentiousness.
“Queensland's known as the Sunshine State. All those rays and the laid-back lifestyle might be among the reasons why it's Australia's happiest state,” Bayliss said.
Aussies pride themselves on being good friends and neighbours, and not just to people they know. They tend to greet everyone from the mail carrier to the cab driver with a “g'day” or “how ya going?”. For Australians, this emphasis on mateship creates a cheery, welcoming attitude, and one that says anyone can be a mate.
Fijians, like these beautiful people in this beautiful photograph, ranked highest among the 65 nations polled the the annual “Happiness Barometer” conducted by WIN/Gallup International.
Source: Australian Energy Update 2022. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Australia ranks 7th on the OECD Better Life Index, based on living conditions and quality of life.
“Queensland's known as the sunshine state. All those rays and the laidback lifestyle might be among the reasons why it's Australia's happiest state,” Mr Bayliss said.
The United Nations process the annual World Happiness Report to understand what happiness is and how it affects our lives, cultures and economy. Australia is ranked under 12, Canada 15 and the United States is 16th and a popular destination for most South Africans, the United Kingdom is 17th.
While you ranked Australia as the 14th friendliest country in the world, New Zealand stormed ahead in seventh place.
Australians' average wellbeing
Personal Wellbeing Index scores, 2002-2022. Average Personal Wellbeing Index scores, 2002-2022. The Y axis shows strength of satisfaction (out of 100). This composite has been pretty stable over the survey's 21 years, with average scores ranging between 74 and 77.
The main recipients of the pandemic-era migration were south-east Queensland and small coastal communities with more spacious homes, according to analysis by The Australian Financial Review of newly released regional population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The tough conditions of settler times also played a part in Australians' dry, self-deprecating and sarcastic sense of humour. While in many countries it's considered poor taste to find humour in difficult circumstances, Australians tend to look at the lighter side.
Australian stereotypical characters always use expressions like "Crikey!", "G'day, mate" and "Put another shrimp [sic] on the barbie." They are often represented as being unsophisticated and obsessed with beer and surfing, boomarangs and kangaroos. Australian men are often shown as being macho, misogynistic brutes.
Australians (or Aussies) have been inventive in adapting their cultural roots to suit the new environment, climate and resources of the country. Modern society is asserting a confident and unique identity through its diversity, language(s), architecture, 'Australianised' cuisine, bush identity and sporting prowess.
Australia and its symbols
95% of Australians take pride in the national flag, which is enjoying increasing popularity, with half (50%) saying that they are extremely proud.
Australia's average wealth is just 1.8 times our median wealth; by contrast the UK's is 2.2 times greater, while the US is second worst out of the top 50, at 6.7 times.
Australia has a much better quality of life. Sydney is considered the most beautiful and one of the most livable cities in the world. 4 of the States capital cities: Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide are all in the top 10 most livable cities in the world. Whilst no cities in America are on that list.