Horizon：Measure Happiness

【明報專訊】We might have a high quality of life, but are we happy? It is almost impossible to quantify happiness. Yet, the World Happiness Report 2020 may provide fresh insights on how to measure happiness.

World Happiness Report

The report assesses different indicators and tries to measure how happy we are. This year, the report focuses particularly on the environment of our living. It takes into consideration the economic factor, life expectancy, level of corruption, as well as other relevant factors to measure how much happiness we could obtain from the social, urban and natural environment. It is the first report in the series to look at the environ-mental quality perspective.

◆Score：7.809

RANK 1：Finland

FINLAND ranks 1st in the world with a score of 7.809 out of 10. It is not the wealthiest country on the list, but freedom, safety, and low level of income inequality contribute greatly to its score. Notably, 91% of the respondents in Finland reported being satisfied with the president and 86% of them said they trust the police.

◆Score：5.510

RANK 78：Hong Kong

HONG KONG ranks 78th in the report. It obtains a score of 5.510. As compared to its major competitor in the region, Singapore, Hong Kong is apparently falling behind in the field of social support and freedom. However, both regions rank high in the aspect of GDP per capita and life expectancy.

It's especially difficult to stay happy in times of trouble, but remember, staying joyful and optimistic is always the key to a delightful life!

■Gear up

Find three differences between these two pictures.

Helsinki (芬蘭首都赫爾辛基)--150 islands constitute this northern port city, whose air and water are among the best in Europe.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

˙quantify (v)量化

˙wealthy (adj)富裕的

˙competitor (n)競爭者

˙optimistic (adj)樂觀的

[Smarties' Power English 第276期]