Ronald F. Inglehart

Stories

Four decades of tracking human happiness

As of May 2026: Died May 8, 2021

Since 1981, the World Values Survey has asked people in over 100 countries a simple question: Are you happy? Happiness rose in 45 of 52 countries across six survey waves from 1981 to 2007, with the steepest gains in India, Ireland, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South Korea.

Updated May 22

Notable Quotes

"It's a surprising finding. It's widely believed that it's almost impossible to raise an entire country's happiness level."

from Four decades of tracking human happiness · Updated May 22

"The results clearly show that the happiest societies are those that allow people the freedom to choose how to live their lives."

from Four decades of tracking human happiness · Updated May 22