Illustrative photo (VNA)

Finland took the top spot in the ranking, followed by Denmark and Switzerland, according to the latest report released Friday by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative launched by the United Nations in 2012.

Countries at the bottom of the list were those afflicted by extreme poverty and violence, like Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Afghanistan.

In Asia, Vietnam’s position was better than China (84), Malaysia (81), and Myanmar (126).

Using data from a Gallup World Poll, the ranking measured the happiness level in 149 economies across the world, based on six factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and absence of corruption.