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If you’re having a crappy, can’t-wait-for-it-to-end week like yours truly, then this post is for you.
You see, some people believe that happiness comes from within.
But lemme tell ya, there’s a bit of science to it as well!
And surprise, surprise, there’s been an economic study done to highlight how happiness can be measured against quantitative factors.
These being:
- Inflation,
- Bank lending rates,
- Employment levels
- Growth in GDP.
Courtesy of our good friends at Visual Capitalist, the 2019 Misery Index ranked 95 countries based on the above 4 economic variables:
2019 Misery Index
To calculate each Misery Index score, a simple formula is used: GDP per capita growth is subtracted from the sum of unemployment, inflation, and bank lending rates.
Least Miserable: Thailand
Surprisingly, Thailand is the least miserable country in the world.
That’s because it has low unemployment (a remarkable 0.4% – 1.2% since 2011) and continued increases in public infrastructure spending from the Thai government.
This means Thailand continues to attract both private domestic and foreign investments, bolstering GDP alongside tourism and exports.
I’ve been to Thailand myself and lemme say, I’ve never seen a local population go about their day with more smiles on their faces.
Most Miserable: Venezuela
Unluckily, Venezuela has held this title for the 4th year in a row.
4 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014. That’s 1 out of every 8 Venezuelans!
This is based on economic and political turmoil, fueling by hyperinflation (inflation which is “hyper”, i.e. unsustainable).
It’s citizens can’t afford basic necessities such as food, housing and medicine.
Geebers, that’s just rough.
What About You?
I know everyone only cares about numero uno.
Which is fair enough.
When we have a shitty day or week, it’s easy to get caught up in it.
But sometimes, happiness is relative – spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than you in another part of the world.
Be grateful that you have the choice to live a better tomorrow.
For some people, they don’t have that luxury!
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