Saudi Arabia ranks second for world's happiest people
Saudi Arabia has been ranked as the second-happiest country in the world, according to a report by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The World Happiness Report 2021, which ranks countries based on their citizens' levels of happiness and well-being, placed Saudi Arabia only behind Finland.
This is a significant achievement for Saudi Arabia, which has been working hard to improve the quality of life for its citizens over the past few years. The country has been undergoing a massive transformation, with ambitious plans to diversify its economy, reduce its dependence on oil, and invest heavily in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
The report analyzed a range of factors to determine each country's happiness score, including income levels, social support networks, freedom to make life choices, and perceptions of corruption. Saudi Arabia scored highly in most of these areas, indicating that its citizens are generally happy with their quality of life.
One of the key reasons for Saudi Arabia's high happiness score is its strong social support networks. The country has a close-knit family and community structure, with people often living in extended family groups and relying on each other for support. This sense of community and solidarity helps to foster a strong sense of belonging and well-being.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in healthcare and education in recent years, which has led to significant improvements in these areas. The country now boasts world-class hospitals and universities, and the government has implemented a range of programs to improve public health and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases.
The government has also introduced a number of social and economic reforms over the past few years, which have helped to improve people's quality of life. For example, women are now allowed to drive and participate more fully in public life, which has helped to promote gender equality and empower women. In addition, the government has introduced a range of initiatives to reduce poverty and improve access to affordable housing, which has helped to reduce inequality and improve social mobility.
Another factor contributing to Saudi Arabia's high happiness score is its relatively low levels of corruption. The country has made significant progress in tackling corruption over the past few years, with a range of anti-corruption initiatives and measures designed to increase transparency and accountability in government and business.
Despite these positive developments, there are still some challenges facing Saudi Arabia in terms of promoting happiness and well-being. One of the biggest issues is mental health, with many people in the country still struggling to access the support and services they need to manage mental health conditions. There is also a need to address the high levels of stress and burnout among workers, which can have a negative impact on people's overall well-being.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's ranking as the second-happiest country in the world is a testament to the country's progress in improving the quality of life for its citizens. The government's investments in healthcare, education, and social and economic reform have helped to create a more inclusive and equitable society, with strong social support networks and relatively low levels of corruption. However, there is still more work to be done to promote mental health and well-being and address the challenges facing the country's workforce.
