Generally, people around the world are experiencing more negative emotions than they did 15 years ago, with two regional exceptions: in Europe and East Asia.
The most significant increases in happiness since the last report were observed in Central and Eastern European countries, specifically in the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Slovenia. Life evaluations have also risen considerably in former Soviet countries and East Asia.
The countries at the bottom of the list were Lesotho, Lebanon and, in last place, Afghanistan.
Analysts said levels of happiness are generally correlated with higher GDP per capita, social benefits, personal freedom, lack of loneliness and good life expectancy.
Happiness inequality between the old and the young has globally increased by 20 percent. Generally, boomers and their predecessors are happier than millennials and members of Gen Z.
The happiness gender gap also persists. Negative emotions have remained more prevalent for women than men in every region analyzed by the researchers.
Denis Leven is hosted at POLITICO under the EU-funded EU4FreeMedia residency program.
