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The Psychology of Everyday Life: Motivation and the Search For Happiness

Happiness Across Cultures

What factors seem to contribute to happiness across nations?

On the whole, wealthier countries have happier citizens. Nonetheless, a country’s wealth and its happiness ratings are not entirely aligned. Therefore money only accounts for part of the story. According to Veenhoven’s studies, war, political instability, totalitarian governments, and economic chaos pull happiness ratings down. It also seems that democracy, security, gender equality, strong social programs, political stability, and greater political and economic freedom promote happiness in a country’s citizens. Social cohesion, which Veenhoven refers to as “brotherhood,” is also an important contributor to happiness.



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