Russia and South Caucasus ranked low

The UN named the countries where the happiest and most satisfied people live. Russia ranked 70th, Armenia 79th, Georgia 90th, Ukraine 92nd. Azerbaijan is not on the list.

The top five happiest countries were Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Israel, and the Netherlands. Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg and New Zealand followed. Sierra Leone, Lebanon and Afghanistan were the worst affected among the 137 countries represented in the report.

Happiness was measured in terms of six factors: life expectancy; GDP per capita; social support in difficult times; low levels of corruption; High social trust; development of charity and freedom to make key life decisions.

Последние новости
North Ossetian authorities say Kodzayeva case is under governor’s personal oversight following Sobchak appeal
Society
North Ossetian authorities say Kodzayeva case is under governor’s personal oversight following Sobchak appeal
3 August 2026

Authorities in Russia’s North Ossetia republic have said they are taking measures to protect Karina Kodzayeva, who became the target of an online harassment campaign after posts published by platforms affiliated with the Caucasian Community movement. In a response to journalist Ksenia Sobchak’s appeal, the office of the regional human rights commissioner said the case is under the personal supervision of regional head Sergei Menyaylo and that law enforcement agencies may seek to block channels used to distribute unlawful content and identify those responsible for administering them.

Three Detained in Ingushetia Over Killing of Man Believed to Be a 'Sorcerer'
News
Three Detained in Ingushetia Over Killing of Man Believed to Be a 'Sorcerer'
3 August 2026

Three suspects have been detained in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia over the killing of a 52-year-old man who was shot dead in his home in the town of Sunzha. According to media reports citing sources, the attack may have been motivated by one suspect's belief that the victim had cast a curse on his brother.

 

Arashukov Announces Hunger Strike in Russia's Black Dolphin Prison After Being Sent to Punishment Cell
Human rights
Arashukov Announces Hunger Strike in Russia's Black Dolphin Prison After Being Sent to Punishment Cell
3 August 2026

Rauf Arashukov, a former senator from Russia's Karachay-Cherkessia republic who is serving a life sentence, has announced a hunger strike at the Black Dolphin maximum-security penal colony in Russia's Orenburg region.

Armenian Parliament Elects Pashinyan Ally and Turkey Negotiator as Speaker
Politics
Armenian Parliament Elects Pashinyan Ally and Turkey Negotiator as Speaker
3 August 2026

Armenia's parliament has elected Ruben Rubinyan, a senior member of the ruling Civil Contract party, a longtime ally of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Yerevan's special envoy in talks with Turkey, as the new speaker of the National Assembly.