Posted on 03/19/2018 9:09:09 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Rankings: A new report claims that Finland is the happiest out of 156 countries around the world. What the report really shows, however, is the futility of these types of international comparisons.X
The annual ranking, put out by the U.N.-sponsored Sustainable Development Solutions Network, is based on the findings of the Gallup World Poll, which conducts national surveys in more than 160 countries.
The other of the top five "happiest countries" on this year's list are Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland. The U.S. came in 18th place, down from 14th last year.
The findings generated widespread coverage, and to some on the left, the list is evidence that socialist-style government — at least of the Nordic variety — is the way to go.
But despite the attention the ranking gets, it's mostly meaningless.
As Dr. Richard Burns of the Australian National University's Research School of Population Health, notes "many of the reported happier nations, such as Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands often report rates of suicide and psychiatric distress that are in the top 15%-25% of the world's nations."
Finland's suicide rate, for example, is 13% higher than the U.S., according to the World Health Organization, and 9% higher than Burundi, which comes in dead last on the UN happiness scale
There's a bigger problem with these sorts of rankings, though. They are, in effect, comparing apples to oranges, particularly when countries like Finland are compared to the U.S.
At 5.5 million, Finland's entire population would fit into just three of New York City's five boroughs, with plenty of room to spare.
What's more, Finland, along with Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and other "happy" countries are among the most ethnically homogeneous nations on Earth — a factor that typically gets ignored when people praise these countries.
(Excerpt) Read more at investors.com ...
Free stuff!.......................
Multivariate analysis is always a good idea.
But the Left will probably say, “The happiest countries are all Socialist! So Socialism is guaranteed to bring happiness to everyone! It’s been proven!”
Apples and oranges indeed. When lefties point to our high violent crime rate, I point out that the violent crime rate among Norwegian-Americans is the same as the violent crime rate of Norway.
Also look at the crime rate of non-Norwegians in Norway.
Because the UN, including their so-called polls, are FOS?
“Innocent observer” post: When in the Middle East talking to taxi drivers and asking them where they would like to live, the 98% answer was always the US. Never got a “Norway” response. Just saying.....
or “Finland” or “Sweden”.
Ethnically homogeneity...the key to happiness.
RE: Ethnically homogeneity...the key to happiness.
The above cannot be said around openly these parts. The “R” word will inevitably be thrown in.
RE: 98% answer was always the US. Never got a “Norway” response. Just saying...
They don’t want to go through the hassle of having to learn to speak any of the Scandinavian languages...
It’s not ethnicity as much as it is cultural homogeneity.
Plus it is really cold up there!
It is doubtful that Finland is open for immigration. Finland is for Fins — America is a free-for-all.
Bravo. You solved the riddle.
“Ethnically homogeneity...the key to happiness.”
Isn’t Burundi ethnically homogeneous? They came out last.
I can’t see the picture from work, but I think you are onto something!!
Except that they aren't socialist. They're high-tax welfare states, but they aren't socialist.
Compared with California at around 53% (39.6% fed + 13.3% state), highest individual marginal income tax rates:
Denmark 63%
Sweden 57%
Finland 30.5%
Norway 40%
Compared with US social security tax of 15.3% (employer + employee):
Denmark 0%
Sweden 14%
Finland 19.5%
Norway 22.3%
Income taxes aren't everything. The 2018 Index of Economic Freedom takes everything into account. Compared to the US index value of 75.7 (18th freest country in the world):
Denmark 76.6 (#12)
Sweden 76.3 (#15)
Finland 74.1 (#26)
Norway 74.3 (#23)
And, of course, happiness is entirely subjective and its attainment is individually and culturally defined.
These studies and reports are all complete BS, including the measure that measures economic and political freedom. I think they make these calculations behind a desk without appreciating the realities on the street.
For example Canada ranks high in both economic and political. Even though we let the Chinese ran rampant in Canada stealing our technology. Or the fact all provinces but 1 run a human rights kangaroo court, and we have police officers monitoring the internet posting habits of some of its citizens. Or that a good man lost $100,000 of his wealth for daring to protest against Canada’s gun laws. Or that the RCMP runs rampant against the citizens with absolutely no oversight. Or that Trudeau passed Canada’s first blasphemy law.
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