As reported by Lenta.ru, scientists surveyed a total of 350 thousand people, asking them two questions: how happy they feel at present and whether they are satisfied with their life overall.
The authors of the study note that over the entire period of annual observations, from 1981 to 2007, the population of 45 out of 52 countries where surveys were conducted has become much happier. The researchers drew attention to a direct relationship between the level of happiness and the level of democracy in a country, economic growth, and social tolerance.
However, ultimately, according to Ronald Inglehart, who led the WVS study, the most fundamental component of happiness is the presence of free choice - so that a person has the opportunity to live their life the way they themselves want.