The effects of urbanisation level and mobility on happiness in OECD countries

Abstract

This article examines the effects of urbanisation level and mobility on happiness in organisation for economic cooperation and development (OECD) countries using data provided by World Bank and OECD statistics. Although the focus on the relationship between urbanisation and happiness has been growing, the researchers have not been able adequately to define an urban or rural class due to the complex characteristics of a cross-national analysis. The link between mobility and happiness has not been studied extensively, and the relationship between mobility and happiness has not been proven consistently. The data in this study were calculated and compiled with relatively homogeneous and consistent criteria. This article concluded that the urbanisation level and mobility have a negative relationship with happiness. In addition, it identified different geographical patterns of happiness. Eastern Asian countries are characterised by high levels of urbanisation compared to other countries. Northern and Western European countries were happier compared to other countries with similar levels of economic developments. Eastern and Southern European countries were unhappier, even though their urbanisation levels are like those in Northern and Western European countries. The results obtained in this paper could help create public policies to enhance happiness.