It has become known which country's residents are the happiest in the world

Residents of Finland have been recognized as the happiest people on the planet for the eighth consecutive time. This follows from the annual World Happiness Report, which was traditionally prepared by experts commissioned by the United Nations.

Scandinavian countries continue to dominate the top of the ranking: Denmark took silver, and Iceland won bronze. Notably, Russia improved its position, rising to 66th place, which is six positions higher compared to last year's result.

The United States ranked 24th, while Ukraine ended up in 111th place. According to the study, the unhappiest country in the world was Afghanistan, which took the last, 147th position in the ranking.

The World Happiness Report has been developed since 2012 as part of a special initiative of the UN General Assembly. Authoritative organizations - the Gallup polling service and the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre - work on its creation.

The methodology for compiling the ranking takes into account many factors: GDP per capita, level of social support, life expectancy, observance of civil liberties, employment guarantees, level of corruption, and a number of other important indicators.

The publication of this prestigious international ranking is traditionally timed to coincide with the International Day of Happiness, which is celebrated worldwide on March 20.