The International Day of Happiness is observed annually on March 20th and was established by the United Nations in 2012 to recognise the importance of happiness and wellbeing as universal goals. The day encourages people worldwide to take a moment to appreciate the positive aspects of life and focus on spreading joy, kindness, and positivity. It serves as a reminder of the need to prioritise happiness not just individually, but as a collective society. 

The celebration of happiness stems from the recognition that emotional wellbeing plays a key role in leading a fulfilling life. The UN launched the World Happiness Report in 2012, which ranks countries based on factors such as income, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. According to the most recent report (2024), Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world for the seventh year in a row. Factors such as a strong sense of community, a well-functioning social support system, and a focus on work-life balance contribute to Finland's top position. 

On the other hand, countries that rank lower on the happiness scale, such as Afghanistan, face significant challenges, including political instability, poverty, and conflict. The United Kingdom ranks 20th globally in terms of national happiness. This position places the UK behind countries such as Ireland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic, and just below Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates. 

At Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, we believe in the importance of supporting students' emotional wellbeing, and we aim to ensure that our MARK values — Moral Integrity, Ambition, Respect, and Kindness — help foster happiness as a whole. By embedding these values into our school community, we encourage students to embrace a positive mindset, strive for their personal best, show respect and kindness to themselves and others, and understand the importance of supporting one another. 

Additionally, teaching our students how to manage their happiness, especially during challenging times, equips them with practical skills that promote resilience and emotional health.

Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world