This Is The Happiest Country In Asia

Singapore has consistently ranked as the happiest country in Asia according to the annual World Happiness Report commissioned by the United Nations, which also named Singapore the 26th happiest country in the world. We’ve got the scoop on what it is about Singaporean life that makes the nation more joyful than its neighbouring Asian countries.

The World Happiness Report determines its rankings by using life evaluation questions. The 6 key determinants used are GDP, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, social support and absence of corruption in both business and government. As a country that’s infamous for its extremely expensive cost of living, Singapore’s happiness is perhaps more closely tied to cultural factors rather than its citizens’ lifestyles.

Spectators awaiting a light show at Marina Bay, Singapore

A distinctive element of Singaporean society is that it is very diverse, especially considering the size of the city-state. Singaporean society is largely made up of ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Singapore also attracts huge numbers of expats, with studies showing that approximately 40% of the total population are foreigners. This mix has resulted in a strong sense of multiculturalism within Singaporean society. One study conducted in 2016 showed that Singaporeans are focused on living by multicultural ideals and supporting multiracial values.

Another element of Singaporean society that analysts have often suggested brings happiness is Singapore’s emphasis on the importance of the family. Singapore’s founder and Prime Minister for 31 years, Lee Kuan Yew, wrote in his book From Third World to First that “Singapore depends on the strength and influence of the family to keep society orderly and maintain a culture of thrift, hard work, filial piety, and respect for elders and for scholarship and for learning”. Although these values were determined decades ago, Lee Kuan Yew’s lasting legacy means that many Singaporeans continue to hold these values as guiding principles.

A family shopping in Singapore’s Chinatown

Analysts have also tried to gage the secret to Singapore’s happiness by comparing common factors among some of the other high-ranking countries in the world. Following the publication of the 2017 World Happiness Report, National Geographic reporter Dan Buettner focused on what three of the happiest countries from different regions in the world had in common. What he found was that the people of Costa Rica, Denmark and Singapore all share a common feeling of security and sense of purpose, and that they do their best to avoid stress and increase enjoyment.

Of course Singapore, like every other country in the world, is not perfect. It does, however, uphold qualities that make it distinct and from which societies across the globe could learn something.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.