The Wire

Australia has ranked 12, while Finland sits at number 1 when it comes to happiest countries across the globe, according to the 2023 World Happiness Report, released earlier this week.

Despite disruption to social and emotional lives during the crux of the pandemic years, more people reported acts of everyday kindness like helping a stranger, donating to charity and volunteering than pre-Covid times. The report says acts of kindness and altruism have been linked to greater happiness and wellbeing.

So, what are some of the key factors of altruism? And what is it about helping others that leads to greater feelings of wellbeing and purpose?