It is described as "a landmark survey of the state of global happiness" and the 2018 edition which ranks 156 countries by their happiness levels, and 117 countries by the happiness of their immigrants, was released on March 14th at a launch event at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican, which is certainly enough to raise a wry smile and remind everyone that even if they aren't happy in this life, they have a fifty-fifty chance of being so in the next.
The main focus of this year’s report, in addition to its usual ranking of the levels and changes in happiness around the world, is on migration within and between countries.
While Latvia ranks a mere 53rd out of all the countries surveyed for the 2018 report (using data collected 2015-17), it is one of the most improved countries over the last decade when compared to data from 2008-10.
The happiest nation on earth was named as Finland. Yes, Finland.
The happiest Balts are the fun-lovin' Lithuanians in 50th place, while our Estonian friends languish with their e-happiness in 63rd place. Lighten up, guys!
The most miserable place on earth is Burundi - a fact that is probably worth putting on a stamp or something.
However, on immigrant happiness Latvia ranked rather worse, coming in 85th place, between Mauritania (84th) and the Palestinian Territories (86th).
We can think of no better way to pay tribute to our increasing happiness than a song from the British comedian Ken Dodd, who sadly died this week.
