Well-Being-Year (or WELLBY) is a formula that is used to measure the progress of nations over time.  It calculates the wellbeing of individuals and compares the results tot the past.  It compares the results and findings collected during 2006-2008 and the modern day results.  

Indiana University

There was a significant decrease in all factors measured in the report.  There was a particular impact on income and the economic variables that are measured in that factor.   
Although there were significant increases in average sadness and worry, the report found that overall life evaluations and happiness rankings were stable. The top countries before the pandemic remained the top countries in 2020, so there is little change in the overall rankings. 


Overall Findings of the 2021 Report

World Happiness Report 2021

WELLBY Approach

The biggest improvements in life expectancy were in the former Soviet Union, in Asia, and (the greatest) in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

And these were the regions that had the biggest increases in WELLBYs. In Asia, the exception is South Asia, where India has experienced a remarkable fall in Well-being which more than outweighs its improved life expectancy. 

Life expectancy grew slowest in North America, which also had a substantial fall in well-being.

The other area where well-being fell was the Middle East/North Africa, and that area also experienced a fall in WELLBYs. 

Since 2006-08 there has been a huge reduction in the inequality of social welfare between countries. 

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