A survey which has sought to examine what makes children around the world happy has just published its findings and the results are fascinating.

The Children’s Worlds study surveyed over 50,000 children between the ages of 8-12 and was published by the Jacobs Foundation, a Zurich-based nonprofit, last week.

15 countries in total were included, and incorporates so called ‘poor’ countries as well as ‘rich’ ones.

Children’s perceptions of happiness, schooling and more are detailed in this eye-opening report about how children view their world. It is well worth a read.

Last week’s report includes data relating to children aged 10-12, however it is hoped that a report focusing on 8-10 year olds will be released later this year.

Some key facts from the current report are added below:

• Overall happiness is the same for boys and girls.
• Compared with girls, boys feel more satisfied with their bodies and appearances in Europe and South Korea, but not in the African and South American countries surveyed.
• About 60 percent of children in Nepal live with their parents and grandparents, while fewer than 10 percent of children in the U.K., Norway and Israel live in these multigenerational homes.
• Children in some countries, including Algeria, Nepal and South Africa, spend much more time caring for siblings and other family members than do children in richer countries, such as Germany, Turkey and South Korea.