• Psychology -> Positive Psychology and Well-being

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8. Are some countries or cities more conducive to overall well-being and if so, what factors contribute to this?

Eartha MacDuffie

Well, from my personal experience and from reading various studies, I do believe that some countries and cities are more conducive to overall well-being. Unfortunately, the United States doesn't rank very high on the list.

According to the World Happiness Report 2020, the top 5 happiest countries are Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. Factors that contribute to their overall well-being include social support, personal freedom, income, job security, and trust in government.

In terms of cities, Mercer's Quality of Living Survey for 2020 ranks Vienna, Zurich, and Auckland as the top three cities for quality of life. Criteria for evaluation include political stability, crime rates, healthcare, education, public transportation, and access to goods and services.

Personally, I think access to healthcare and education are two huge factors when it comes to well-being. In the US, it's no secret that our healthcare system is a mess and not accessible to many. And as far as education goes, we have a lot of work to do in terms of equal opportunities for all.

I also think cultural attitudes and values can make a big difference. Countries that prioritize time with family and friends, work-life balance, and overall quality of life tend to be happier societies.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and everyone has their own definition of what well-being means to them. But overall, I think it's important to consider these factors when choosing where to live or travel to if you want to prioritize your overall well-being.