Despite poverty, inequality and violence, Mexicans consider themselves happy

No violence, insecurity, inequality or economic difficulties decreased the levels of happiness and satisfaction of Mexicans, since this country ranks second among the happiest in Latin America.

According to World Happiness Report 2019, produced by the United Nations, in the region, Mexico ranks second among the happiest countries, just behind Costa Rica.

According to the newspaper L & # 39; universal, which included the data from the report, among the 156 nations in the standings, Mexico in 23rd place, what contrast with the site 56 that the country has in terms of income level for each inhabitant.

Although Japan is the third largest economy in the world, the Asian nation is happy 58, while la France, with revenues three times higher than those of Mexico, it ranks 24th of happiness.

The family life (8.92), the emotional life (8.48) and the activities they exert (8.32) are the aspects on which Mexicans insisted to feel more satisfied.

Health, social life, achievements and free time these are other elements that have been taken into account in the report.

In Mexico, the aspects that gave less happiness to its inhabitants wereThe state of your city, country and citizen safety.

In a range of 1 to 10, Mexicans' satisfaction with their lives is 8.37, well above the 7.67 recorded in July 2013.

In addition to Costa Rica and Mexico, the Latin American countries with the highest happiness index are Chile (ranked 26th in the world), in Guatemala (site 27), Panama (place 31) Brazil (position 32), Uruguay (at number 33), The Savior (35) Colombia (43) and Nicaragua (45)

For the British economist Richard Layard the seven determinants of happiness are: family relationships, stable and rewarding work, community and friends, health, personal freedom, personal values ​​and financial status.

In the case of Mexico, although the country faces serious poverty and insecurity, other factors contribute to the happiness of its inhabitants, such as the quality of their interpersonal relationships.

"All this relational part is enriching, there is less solitude, it reduces anxieties and worries and generates many positive affects, the feeling of being loved, appreciated is very important, as well as eating", explained Mariano Rojas, professor and researcher at Flacso's UPAEP.