Indonesia and Israel Top Global Flourishing Rankings; UK Trails Near Bottom
Where Do People Flourish Most? Surprising Global Rankings Revealed
A groundbreaking Harvard University study measuring global “flourishing” has uncovered unexpected results, challenging assumptions about wealth and well-being. Surveying over 200,000 people across 22 countries, researchers evaluated seven key factors: health, happiness, meaning, character, relationships, financial security, and spiritual well-being.
Top Performers: Community Over Wealth
Indonesia claimed the top spot with a flourishing score of 8.3, excelling in relationships and community-driven traits. Israel (7.87), the Philippines (7.71), and Mexico (7.64) followed closely. These nations, while not the wealthiest, prioritized social bonds and purpose.
Indonesia’s strong community ties helped it rank highest in flourishing (Stock Image).
Wealthy Nations Lag Behind
The U.S. ranked 12th, while the U.K. landed near the bottom at 20th. Japan scored lowest (5.89), with respondents reporting loneliness despite economic prosperity. Turkey, India, and Spain also ranked poorly.
The U.K. struggled with low scores in meaning and relationships (Stock Image).
Key Findings
- Age Matters: Flourishing increased after age 50, contrasting with earlier studies suggesting midlife declines in happiness.
- Tradeoffs of Development: Wealthier nations scored lower in meaning, relationships, and spirituality. “Economic growth doesn’t guarantee holistic well-being,” noted researcher Brendan Case.
- Spiritual Gaps: Secularization may neglect spiritual pathways to fulfillment, the study suggested.
Why It Matters
The study, published in Nature Mental Health, urges policymakers to balance economic progress with social and spiritual investments. “Flourishing is multidimensional,” emphasized lead author Tyler VanderWeele. “We must ask if development compromises the very things that make life meaningful.”
Flourishing Factors
- Health
- Happiness
- Meaning
- Character
- Relationships
- Financial Security
- Spiritual Well-being
As societies evolve, the findings challenge us to prioritize human connection and purpose alongside material success.
Infographic: Global Flourishing Rankings (Embedded chart showing country scores)
Final Thought
“True progress isn’t just wealth or longevity,” says Case. “It’s fostering communities where people thrive in every sense.”
