Taiwanese enjoy the highest level of happiness among Asian nations in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), according to the Gross National Happiness index released by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) yesterday.
Taiwan’s score — compiled from a total of 24 indicators in 11 categories and based on the OECD’s Better Life Index — stood at 6.93 points this year, up 0.29 points from the 6.64 points recorded last year, the DGBAS said in its annual report.
The nation ranks 18th among a total of 37 nations assessed in the two indices, moving up one place from the 19th place it held last year.
Australia is the OECD’s happiest nation, with an index reading of 8.11 points, followed by Norway and Sweden, the report said.
However, among the Asian nations surveyed, Taiwan ranked the highest for the second consecutive year, ahead of Japan and South Korea, which were rated 21th and 26th respectively.
DGBAS Minister Shih Su-mei (石素梅) was not specific when asked if the index was an accurate measure of the happiness of the public, saying only “the result of the index is due to a variety of factors.”
However, the government might still consider the index a reference for improving its administration, Shih said.
Taiwan has seen three indicators show an improvement when evaluated by purchasing power parity, with these indicators — household net adjusted disposable income, household net financial wealth and personal earnings — ranking 10th, second and fifth respectively.
Among the 11 categories, Taiwan was ranked second for income, followed by fourth place for safety, which the DGBAS attributed to the relatively rare occurence of violent crimes, the report said.
In addition, Taiwan ranked high in categories that related to housing and jobs, both coming in at ninth place, according to the report.
However, the nation’s environmental ranking dropped to 37th this year, down two places from the 35th recorded last year, and the DGBAS said this was due to the impact of air pollution caused by the large number of motorcycles and industrial activity.
Shih said the result showed Taiwan’s material living conditions are still better than its quality of life.
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