Search Here

Results from the World Happiness Report 2017 reveals that the United States' level of happiness is falling. A decline in social support is the current crisis America is facing, leading to increased worries and dissatisfaction rate in the country, according to a report.

America lands on the 14th spot of the happiest countries in the world, dropping one spot from last year's ratings. The report, released to coincide with the International Day of Happiness, also revealed that such decline can be attributed to lack of social support, increase in distrust of the government, and loss of the sense of personal freedom in the United States, the Medical News Today enumerates.

Out of the 155 countries, Norway lands on the top spot of the happiest countries in the world. Denmark lands on the second spot after topping the results from last year. Iceland and Switzerland placed on the 3rd and 4th spot.

The World Happiness Report is an annual list provided by the United Nations and is based on six criteria. A country's healthy life expectancy, GDP per capita, the perception of freedom, social support, the perception of corruption and generosity of generations are measured to determine which country ranks best.

Norway had a score of 7.53 while the United States had a score of 6.99.

Compared to the United States, Norway managed to invest their oil production profits to the benefit of future generations. This lead to high levels of mutual trust, generosity and shared purpose for its citizens, a by-product of good governance present in the country, The Guardian reported.

Meanwhile, in the US, the social and mental state of its people are getting worse while the political discourse is all about raising the rate of the country's economic growth. Deregulation and tax cuts are piling up to the social tensions experienced in the country instead of reducing it.

The government's projection of fear is also sending a negative impact to its citizens rather than comfort and stability.