Where do the world’s happiest children live? Here’s what UNICEF says

 Dubai: The Netherlands, Denmark and France as the top three countries for child well-being with Portugal in fourth place, according to a new report released by UNICEF.

The rankings are based on six key criteria that measure both physical and emotional aspects of childhood, as well as educational and social development.

UNICEF assessed countries based on the following six dimensions:

Mental well-being: including life satisfaction, depression levels, and suicide rates

Physical health: infant mortality, obesity rates, and access to healthcare

Educational and social skills: literacy and school performance, as well as social connections

Social environment: quality of relationships with friends and family

Safety and security: exposure to violence and bullying

Environment and opportunities: living conditions and prospects for development

The Netherlands emerged as the top performer in mental well-being, with Portugal coming in second in that category. However, Portugal ranked lower in physical health (10th) and educational and social skills (22nd), reflecting areas for improvement.

Some countries — Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia —ranked high for mental health, but ranked in the lowest third for physical health.

Japan, the Republic of Korea and Slovenia came in the top third rank for skills, but in the bottom third rank for mental health.

Czech Republic and Iceland ranked high for physical health, but ranked low for both mental health and skills.

The report also sheds light on the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health and educational progress. UNICEF warns that these challenges will require sustained investment and targeted policy efforts to ensure children's continued well-being.