UK among lowest-ranked countries for ‘human flourishing’ in wellbeing study

Commuters in London. The study drew on nationally representative samples to reflect the experiences of nearly half the world’s population. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images

Britain ranks among the poorest countries for “human flourishing”, according to a major study that raises questions about the nation’s wellbeing and younger people in particular.

The survey, which spanned 22 countries on six continents, rated the UK 20th based on a combined score that considered a range of factors from happiness, health and financial security to relationships and meaning in life.