“How much do you think the result of World Happiness Report reflects your subjective feeling?”
“Not much really” said Susan Kwok, a tenants of public rental housing.
What is the World Happiness Report?
The World Happiness Report is an annual global survey led by the United Nations. It ranks countries based on happiness levels using several measurable indicators, such as GDP per capita, social support, and freedom. As of March 20, 2025, the latest report shows that Hong Kong’s ranking has dropped for four consecutive years—from 77th to 88th.
Between ranking and individuals’ feeling
“I did not feel significantly unhappier in the past few years. Not as bad as the change of ranking reflected.” Susan added. “In fact, I heard there were new policies such as transitional housing in the past few years, and I think that will improve the happiness level more or less.”
According to the Housing Bureau, it has provided 18,400 units of transitional housing as of January this year. There are 2,700 more units to come this year.
According to World Happiness Report 2025, housing is highly related to happiness level, even beyond Hong Kong. In Mexico and Europe, households with four to five members tend to report the highest levels of happiness. Couples who live with at least one child or with children and extended family members experience particularly high average life satisfaction.
Being able to live with more family members may increase the happiness level. By increasing supply of housing, Hong Kong may provide more available and spacious housing for more Hong Kongers. Living with multiple family members and children may become easier.
Maintaining the healthy and steady development of the private residential property market is one of the priorities of the Hong Kong Government.
“2024 marks the important milestone of the 10th anniversary of the Government’s promulgation of the Long Term Housing Strategy (LTHS). Having conducted a review of LTHS to ensure that it can move with the times, the Housing Bureau reaffirmed that the “supply-led” and “flexible” principles would continue to be adopted.” Said Aster Lam, director of the Housing Department.
To fulfill housing demand of populations with different income, Hong Kong Government worked for years on building a Housing Ladder.
“Various types of subsidised sale flat have been provided, including Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH), Home Ownership Scheme (HOS), and Starter Homes for Hong Kong Residents (SH) projects, etc.” Ms. Lam added.
Besides subsidised sale flat, government’s work on supply side includes increasing the supply of public rental housing and private house, and ensure the rational use of existing public rental housing. According to Ms. Lam.
However, is happiness only about housing?
Social Support Factors
“I came back because the pace of life in the UK is much slower, everything is rather casual, people in Hong Kong are more demanding.” Said CY Lau, a white-collar worker who had been studying aboard in UK for three years. “And most importantly, I have family members in Hong Kong.”
Social support is one of the key indicators in the World Happiness Report. It looks at whether people can count on family or friends in times of need. Strong social support brings a sense of security and belonging. While the “Freedom” criteria dropped significantly during the 2020-2022, social support remained relatively steady. Other than 2022’s 87, Hong Kong’s ranking in this category has stayed around 65.
“Social support is a key determinant of happiness, as it reflects the strength of personal relationships and community bonds.” Said Nicole Lau, a scholar from the Department of Psychiatry, of HKU.
“If I were to prioritize one area for immediate action, I would focus on mental health and community support.” Ms. Lau added when being asked about which component of happiness is the most urgent if we want to improve happiness of Hong Kongers’ happiness.
Ms. Lau indicated that the proportion of moderate to severe depression among Hong Kong population are rising. She believe the rise of depression rate is compounded by high-pressure work environments, long hours, and limited access to mental health resources. Strengthening mental health services and creating robust community support systems could provide immediate relief and foster a more resilient society.
Economic, Weather and Culture Factors
In the past four years, GDP per capita of Hong Kong remains at the leading position globally. The lowest was 12 in 2022 and the highest was 7 in 2024. The good economic performance comes from Hong Kong’s diligence and sacrifice.
“I would say Hong Kong was better due to the weather, working opportunities and the food.” Said Marshall James, a UK exchange student who has lived in Hong Kong for half a year. The UK ranks 23rd, significantly higher than Hong Kong’s 88th.
“The downsides are sometimes it’s hard to find things to do (entertainment) all the time, and I know the working culture is far more demanding than the UK.” Marshall added. Aside from “working opportunities” which is partially reflected in GDP per capita, other aspects that Marshall likes and dislikes about Hong Kong was not included in quantified criteria of the World Happiness Report.
This indicates that even though the scoring criteria of the World Happiness Report are already comprehensive and data-driven, it is still not necessarily possible to cover every single aspect.
As a complex feeling from individuals, there are far more criteria for happiness that cannot be covered in a single report.
Happiness: A Shaped Experience
“A crucial factor of quality of life or happiness lies in journalism, social influence, social norming, and social construction.” Said Dr. Cheung Chau Kiu, Scholar from the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, when being asked about factors that quality of life depends on.
Noticing a phenomenon that online and digitalized form media are shaping people’s cognition, more effectively, thus affecting their perspective on happiness. Dr. Cheung said“Reporting unhappiness can foster a sense of unhappiness, while reporting happiness can promote a feeling of happiness. ” If an individual is constantly trapped in an information cocoon full of negative emotions, being affected is unavoidable.
Happiness: Beyond Materials
Unique culture from different regions may affect their domestic happiness level. Hong Kong’s materialism may had also contributed to Hong Konger’s unhappiness.
“Studies have shown that while financial stability can enhance happiness to a certain point, once basic needs and comfort are met, having exceptionally more money does not lead to a proportional increase in happiness; instead, it often plateaus.” Said Ms. Lau, explaining why some less developed countries ranks higher than Hong Kong in the World Happiness Report.
“Encouraging a less materialistic mindset could lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment, creativity, and connection among people.”
“Creating pathways for young people to explore their passions and potential is key. This could involve providing opportunities for self-discovery, empowering youth to pursue careers or interests that align with their values, rather than societal expectations, could foster genuine happiness and resilience.” Said Ms. Lau.