A UN report released on Wednesday (19), in International Day of Happiness, revealed a fact that left many with their jaws dropped: Italy ranks only 40th among the happiest countries in the world.
Yes, you read that right. Forty. Forty! That's right, with the sunset in Positano, the wines of Tuscany, the perfect coffee on every corner, and of course, pizza — a heritage of humanity and good humor.
The survey, carried out based on the Gallup World Poll in partnership with the University of Oxford and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, assesses six key factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and perception of corruption.
What about Brazil? It rose eight positions and reached 36th place. Yes, Brazil — with all its informality, tropical climate and way of life — came ahead of the land of Dante, Da Vinci and Sophia Loren.
Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden took the top spots respectively. According to the organizers, the Nordic countries maintain high levels of well-being due to their universal health, education and social support systems.
Italy, which was in 41st place last year, even improved a little, moving up one position. But it still fell behind nations such as Estonia, El Salvador and, of course, Brazil.
Costa Rica, champion of Latin America, reached 6th place. Mexico surprised and entered the top 10, in 10th place — an increase of 15 positions compared to 2024. Among Latin Americans, Argentina ranked 42nd.
There at the end of the list, Afghanistan repeated the last position, a reflection of the instability and the Taliban regime.
If Italian happiness is in crisis, perhaps the reason lies in recent social and economic challenges, or perhaps in nostalgia for the golden age of the dolce vita.
But one thing is certain: whoever tries a gelato in Florença If you hear a "ciao, bella" on the streets of Rome, you know that joy, in Italy, is never off the menu.
