Community is really important for understanding what happiness means to us. Different cultures shape our views on being happy in many ways.

Here’s what some studies have found:

1. Cultural Differences:

   • In places where people work together, like East Asia, happiness often comes from being in harmony with others and helping one another. According to the World Happiness Report 2021, countries such as Finland and Denmark, which focus on community support, are usually among the happiest in the world.
   • On the other hand, in countries that focus more on individuals, like the United States, happiness is often tied to personal success and expressing oneself. About 56% of Americans believe that taking personal responsibility is important for happiness. In comparison, only 42% of those in collectivist cultures think community involvement is key to happiness.

2. Social Connections and Support:

   • Research from the Pew Research Center shows that people with strong relationships report being about 30% happier than those with weaker connections.
   • A Gallup poll found that 89% of people who spend a lot of time with friends and family describe themselves as "very happy."

3. Community Engagement:

   • The OECD discovered that getting involved in community activities can boost happiness levels. Volunteers are about 7% happier than those who don’t volunteer.

To sum it all up, community helps shape how we think about happiness. Being part of a group and getting involved with others can improve our own happiness and well-being.