March 20 is the International Day of Happiness. On this special day, the World Happiness Report 2025 was also released as scheduled.
The report was jointly produced by the Center for the Study of Wellbeing at the University of Oxford, Gallup, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Indicators include GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom of living, generosity and clean government.
01
Singapore, Asia's Happiness Capital
How does it rank this year?
In the ranking of the world's happiest countries and regions, Singapore, which was once firmly ranked as Asia's happiest region, was overtaken by Taiwan Province of China this year to rank second in Asia.
In response, one of the editors of the report, Dr. Wang Shun from the School of International Business at Xijiao Liverpool University in Suzhou, China, explained in an interview with the United Daily News:
Singapore's popular happiness score actually increased, and it was only the more significant growth in other countries' scores that led to the slight change in the ranking. However, the difference in scores between countries with similar rankings is very small, so these small changes do not need to be over-interpreted.
02
Living in Singapore
What makes you happy
Despite the change in ranking, people living in Singapore are still happy. This happiness is not only reflected in the high rankings, but also in all aspects of daily life.
? Quality Environment
Singapore is known as the “Garden City”, a title that comes from the city's lush greenery.
Whether you are walking along the streets or on the rooftops and mid-rise terraces of buildings, you will find greenery everywhere you look. Large green areas, parks and trees allow residents to breathe fresh air and feel the vibrancy of the city.
? Complete Public Facilities
The well-connected public transportation network covers almost all of Singapore, and convenient travel makes residents' daily lives easier.
In terms of recreational facilities, people can take a dip in public swimming pools for less than S$2. Badminton courts, basketball courts and other venues in the community are also free to book, making it easy for citizens to engage in physical exercise.
? Cultural Facilities Enrich Life
Even though Singapore is one 24th the size of Beijing, there are 27 public libraries across the island that offer free lending services, providing a comfortable learning environment for citizens.
The National Museum, the Art Gallery and other cultural venues also regularly hold special exhibitions and Southeast Asian art exhibitions, and there are a wide variety of cultural activities so that every resident can enjoy a rich cultural feast.
? High-quality, nearly free basic education
In Singapore, local citizen students who attend government schools and government-aided schools are not required to pay tuition fees for elementary school, while tuition fees for secondary school and pre-university classes are $5 and $6 per month respectively.
In addition, from January 2024, the standard miscellaneous fees and second-tier miscellaneous fees that students are required to pay will be combined into a single miscellaneous fee, which will be $13, $20 and $27 per month for primary, secondary and pre-university students respectively.
? Healthcare System
According to the United Nations, Singapore's healthcare is among the highest in Asia and ranked sixth in the world.
Currently, 13 hospitals and healthcare organizations in Singapore have been accredited by Joint Commission Quality International (JCI), accounting for one-third of the accredited Asian healthcare organizations.
The beautiful natural environment, convenient public facilities, rich cultural activities and quality education, and top-notch healthcare services are all reasons why Singapore residents feel happy.
If you would like to move to this city of happiness, please contact Nebula Hai International and we will provide you with customized services.
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