For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been identified as the happiest country in the world, as per the World Happiness Report 2025 released on Thursday. The report, compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, places other Nordic nations in the top ranks of happiness as well. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden closely follow Finland in the prestigious rankings.
The evaluation of country happiness levels is primarily based on responses provided by individuals when asked to assess their own well-being. The study, conducted in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, emphasizes that happiness is not solely linked to wealth or economic growth. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, underscores the importance of trust, social connections, and mutual support in fostering happiness and building resilient communities.
Simple yet impactful factors, such as sharing meals with others, having reliable social support networks, and household dynamics, play a significant role in determining happiness levels. The research shows that in countries like Mexico and across Europe, households with four to five members tend to report higher levels of happiness. Moreover, faith in the compassion of fellow individuals emerges as a key contributor to overall happiness. People who believe in the likelihood of their lost wallet being returned indicate a greater sense of well-being.
The study highlights that Nordic countries exhibit exemplary levels of trust and helpfulness, as evidenced by high rates of wallet return. Despite these positive trends, the report notes a global tendency for individuals to underestimate the kindness within their communities. The disparity between actual rates of altruism and people’s perceptions underlines the need to foster a greater sense of trust and interconnectedness among societies.
While many European nations feature prominently in the top 20 rankings, there are exceptions to this pattern. Notably, despite ongoing conflicts, Israel secures the 8th position, while Costa Rica and Mexico make their debut in the top 10, claiming the 6th and 10th spots respectively. In contrast, the United States experiences a notable decline, plummeting to its lowest ranking of 24th place. Factors such as an increase in solitary dining and a decline in social connections contribute to the nation’s diminishing happiness levels.
Similarly, the United Kingdom reports its lowest average life satisfaction since 2017, reflecting broader global trends in well-being. Afghanistan retains its position as the least happy country, with Afghan women facing particularly challenging circumstances. Sierra Leone and Lebanon closely trail as the second and third unhappiest nations respectively.
A concerning revelation from the study is the rising number of young adults worldwide lacking social support, with 19% reporting a lack of dependable connections in 2023—a significant increase from 2006. Countries are assessed based on self-reported life evaluations between 2022 and 2024, with experts from various disciplines studying the underlying factors driving happiness disparities across nations and time periods.
Reliability, feeling of liberation, acts of kindness, and attitudes towards dishonesty.
