Indonesia Topped the Inaugural Global Flourishing Study

Various indexes have sought to explore the mental landscape of humanity, measuring everything from happiness and well-being to life satisfaction. A new and thoughtful approach has emerged: the Global Flourishing Study, designed to illuminate the entire spectrum of people’s lives—from cherished personal relationships to a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

Conducted by Harvard University, this extensive study engaged over 200,000 individuals across 22 nations, weaving together a comprehensive understanding of human flourishing. At its core, the research is based on the idea that flourishing encompasses not just the sensation of joy but also the capacity to function well in everyday life. Over the next five years, the study aspires to uncover the elements that support or hinder this flourishing experience.

Indonesia shines brightly as a beacon of well-being in this inaugural study, achieving the highest mean score, followed closely by Mexico and the Philippines. In contrast, the scores were lower for Japan, Turkey, and the UK.

While measuring well-being can be a complex endeavor, and it’s important to acknowledge the study’s limitations—specifically its focus on just 22 countries—there’s an opportunity for individual reflection. Harvard has graciously made its 12-question survey accessible for anyone wishing to assess their own well-being.

As Dr. Tyler VanderWeele, director of Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, beautifully points out, “By identifying and nurturing the factors that empower individuals and communities to thrive, we can transform how societies approach conflict, cooperation, and the shared pursuit of well-being.” May we all find the pathways that lead us to greater flourishing.