In 2024, Vietnam marked a memorable milestone when it was ranked 11 places higher on the United Nations’ World Happiness Report. On the occasion of the Year of the Rabbit 2025, Dân trí had a conversation with the Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs about the nearly decade-long journey toward this goal.
The Happiness Index: A Measure of Sustainable Success
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Vietnam ranked 54th out of 143 countries and territories surveyed, a significant improvement from its 65th position in 2023. In the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam ranked 6th, and second among ASEAN nations. This positive result reflects sustainable development and effective social policies.
The rankings are based on criteria such as life expectancy, average income, social support, perceived corruption, and social trust. These factors not only measure economic performance but also assess the quality of life for citizens.
Social Policies: The Foundation for National Happiness
2024 saw notable achievements in social areas in Vietnam. The sustainable poverty reduction policy helped reduce the poverty rate to 1.93%, below the target. Additionally, labor productivity increased by 5.56%, surpassing the planned requirement. Notably, the social housing construction program mobilized over 60 trillion VND to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses, providing stable lives for thousands of困难群众。
Happiness is More Than Economic Figures
Despite Vietnam ranking 101st out of 176 countries in per capita GDP, its happiness index climbed to 54th place. This underscores that happiness does not solely depend on income or economic growth. According to the Minister, true happiness stems from safety, social security, and public welfare—factors that build societal trust.
Through the pandemic, the world recognized that wealth does not equate to happiness. For Vietnam, happiness lies in the word “an”—where people feel safe, healthy, and protected.
Labor Market: Stepping Toward a Brighter Future
Alongside social security, the Minister emphasized the importance of modernizing the labor market to be flexible and integrated. In 2024, Vietnam implemented Central Resolution 27 and 28 on salary reform and social insurance. As a result, regional minimum wages increased by 6%, pensions by 15%, and benefits for those affected by the war by 35.7%. Millions of people directly benefited from these changes.
Setting regional minimum wages not only protects workers but also encourages collective bargaining between businesses and employees. This is a crucial step toward building a fair and sustainable labor market.
Conclusion
Looking back at the nearly decade-long journey, Vietnam has achieved remarkable progress in improving living standards and enhancing the happiness index. However, there are still challenges to overcome, particularly in refining salary policies and the labor market.
With continuous efforts, Vietnam is steadily becoming a happier nation where people can live in peace and prosperity. Let us work together for a brighter future!
