Amid COVID-19, Israel ranks 11th in World Happiness Report

Various factors were taken into account in determining the subjective measure of well-being, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices and generosity.

The Israeli flag is displayed on the Tel Aviv municipality building on Rabin Square, as Israel celebrates it's 72th Independence Day under lockdown due to the Coronavirus. April 28, 2020 (photo credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)
The Israeli flag is displayed on the Tel Aviv municipality building on Rabin Square, as Israel celebrates it's 72th Independence Day under lockdown due to the Coronavirus. April 28, 2020
(photo credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)
Israel has been ranked as the 11th happiest nation in the world in the latest World Happiness Report, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The ranking is a notable increase from 2020, when the country ranked 14th place.
It should be noted that due to the pandemic, the data was compiled differently this year, compared to previous years, because researchers are unable to do face-to-face interviews in several countries and the correlation between COVID-19 and overall well-being becoming the main focus.
Various factors were taken into account in determining the subjective measure of well-being, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, corruption perception and trust in government institutions. 
Despite holding such a high spot, which could be attributed to Israel's success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, it failed to crack the top 10.
Number one on the list, once again, was Finland, followed by fellow Nordic states Iceland and Denmark. Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden came next and Germany jumped from No. 17 last year to No. 7 this year. The top 10 was rounded out by Norway, New Zealand and Austria, with Australia trailing Israel in the 12th spot. 
The United States was even further down the list at No. 14, behind Ireland but beating out 15th-place Canada.
The most unhappy country ranked was Afghanistan, retaining its place at the bottom of the 149-country list.