Why Taiwan Ranks As the Happiest Economy. Steve Hank On His Misery Index
Taiwan just ranked as the world’s ‘happiest’ (or least miserable) economy in 2025, beating Singapore, Japan and 175 other countries. But what actually makes an economy ‘happy’ and how did Taiwan come out on top? Economist Steve Hanke breaks down his Annual Misery Index, revealing how inflation, unemployment, interest rates and GDP growth shape everyday life — and why Taiwan’s economic performance is turning global heads.
