HELSINKI, March 20 – RIA Novosti. Finland is recognized as the happiest country in the world for the sixth time, the top three, as last year, consist of northern countries: Denmark second, Iceland third, Russia 70th, Ukraine 92nd, followed by publications World Happiness Report.

“Finland holds the top spot for the sixth year in a row. Lithuania is the only new country in the top 20 to rise more than 30 places since 2017. War-torn Afghanistan and Lebanon remain the two unhappiest countries in the study. Average life expectancy is the lowest. five points lower than ten happy countries,” the report says.

The happiest countries list was first published in 2012.

The World Happiness Report study uses six key factors to explain differences in happiness reports around the world: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. The report’s authors note that governments are increasingly using this analysis to guide policies towards happiness. The report’s release was timed to coincide with the International Day of Happiness, celebrated on March 20.