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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Travel devider The Philippines climbs up one spot on the World Happiness Report

The Philippines climbs up one spot on the World Happiness Report

PH ranks fourth happiest in Southeast Asia, 56th worldwide

Published Mar 20, 2026 10:17 am
Based on The World Happiness Report 2026, the Philippines ranks as the fourth-happiest in Southeast Asia and 56th worldwide. It's a single point up compared to last year's results. Over 147 countries are included in the report.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore leads the ranking at 36th, with Vietnam next at 45th. Thailand leads above the Philippines by a short margin, placing at 52nd. Worldwide, Finland takes the top spot, whereas Taiwan takes the lead again this year as the happiest place in Asia. Meanwhile, the unhappiest place included in the report is Afghanistan.    
To measure such data, the World Happiness Report makes use of the Gallup World Poll to keep track of certain activities and feelings people have recently experienced to figure out the nature of their caring behavior. Included among the questions asked are when was the last time someone volunteered for a cause or helped a stranger out.
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