The Effect of Per Capita Income, Unemployment, And Internet Users on the Happiness Index of Asean Countries

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of per capita income, unemployment, and internet users on the happiness index in ASEAN countries during the period 2013–2022. This is a quantitative study using panel data regression. The research data was obtained from the official websites of the World Bank Data and World Happiness Index. The analysis results indicate that per capita income has a positive and significant effect on the happiness index, while the unemployment rate has a negative and significant effect. However, internet users do not have a significant effect on the happiness index. These results suggest that economic factors remain the primary determinant of happiness in the ASEAN region, while digital penetration has not yet fully reflected in improvements in societal well-being. This study is expected to provide input for governments in designing policies to improve welfare and the happiness index in the Southeast Asian region.