The UN annually compiles a ranking of the happiest countries (.pdf). Happiness cannot be touched, but it is easy to measure.

Experts determine the level of happiness based on indicators such as GDP per capita, average life expectancy, the presence of corruption in the country and a subjective assessment of one’s own satisfaction.

The UN has recognized Finland as the happiest country for the seventh time in a row. Also, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Australia are in the top ten. Afghanistan is recognized as the unluckiest state.

Uzbekistan took 47th place. This is a higher result than other Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan (49th place), Kyrgyzstan (75th place) and Tajikistan (88th place). Turkmenistan was not included in the rating.

The report also analyzed happiness levels by age for the first time. Researchers have found that the average level of happiness of people around the world gradually declines with age.

However, in Uzbekistan, the opposite is observed: the population under the age of 30 is recorded in the ranking in 71st place, and those aged 60 years and older are in 22nd place. That is, older people are happier than young people.