What Makes People Happy?

Feeling loved and appreciated stands out as the most important driver of happiness worldwide, according to Ipsos’ Global Happiness Index. As our infographic shows, 37 percent of respondents (29-country average) cite this factor among their top contributors to well-being, narrowly ahead of family and children (36 percent). Mental health follows at some distance (27 percent), while a sense of control over one’s life (25 percent) and financial situation (24 percent) round out the top five. Notably, material conditions such as housing (20 percent) and even relationships with partners (20 percent) or friends (19 percent) rank lower, underscoring that emotional recognition and close family ties outweigh economic or social circumstances in shaping how people evaluate their happiness.