Today is the International Day of Happiness – and it has been celebrated every year on March 20 since 2013.

The celebration of happiness is honoured in 193 countries, two observer states and in 11 territories.

It is celebrated on March 20 because it coincides with the March equinox which happens when night and day are nearly the same length.

The International Day of Happiness was founded by philanthropist and United Nations (UN) special advisor Jayme Illien.

The campaign was conceptualised in order to inspire, mobilise, and advance the global happiness movement.

He suggested the idea to senior UN officials in 2011 – and was even backed by former Secretary-General of the UN – Ban Ki Moon.

He agreed it should be made an official international UN calendar day.

On this day it was recognised that happiness was a “fundamental human goal” and the UN General Assembly called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples”.