For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has claimed the title of the world’s happiest country, according to the latest World Happiness Report. The 2025 report, released on March 20, coincides with the United Nations International Day of Happiness. In stark contrast, the United States has seen a significant decline, ranking at No. 24—its lowest ranking yet in the report's history.
The report highlights troubling trends in the United States and parts of Europe, where declining happiness and social trust have fueled increasing political polarization. This discontent is reflected in the rising number of votes against established systems. John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report and economics professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, notes that despite these challenges, global research indicates that people are generally kinder than we perceive.
“People’s fellow citizens are better than they think they are,” Helliwell stated. “Realizing this can enhance happiness and change how you view your neighbors.” He emphasizes that there is a vast potential for improvement in our belief that we belong to a wider community that supports one another, which is a crucial source of happiness that we have not fully explored.
The World Happiness Report utilizes data from the Gallup World Poll, gathering insights from individuals across more than 140 countries. Countries are ranked based on average life evaluations over the preceding three years (2022 to 2024). This comprehensive analysis considers six key variables that influence happiness: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The Nordic nations consistently excel in happiness rankings, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden occupying the top four positions. Norway follows closely at No. 7. According to Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director at Gallup, “Nordic countries continue to thrive due to universally available high-quality health, education, and social support systems, along with low inequality of wellbeing.”
Other countries that made the top ten include the Netherlands (No. 5), Israel (No. 8), Luxembourg (No. 9), and Mexico (No. 10). Notably, Mexico and Costa Rica (No. 6) have entered the top ten for the first time, attributed to strong social networks and positive perceptions about their economies.
The decline in U.S. happiness is particularly pronounced among younger individuals. Ron-Levey points out that Americans under 30 are feeling increasingly unsupported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and more pessimistic about their future living standards. This trend is not unique to the U.S.; the United Kingdom also ranks low at No. 23, marking its lowest happiness score since 2017.
Despite these challenges, Helliwell suggests that fostering a more positive outlook towards those around us can greatly enhance our happiness. “Negativity is poisonous to happiness,” he warns, and urges individuals to engage more positively with their communities, which can lead to improved social interactions and a greater sense of cooperation.
At the bottom of the happiness rankings, Afghanistan once again holds the last place at No. 147, followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The 2025 World Happiness Report serves as a critical reminder of the varying levels of happiness across the globe and the importance of social connections and community support in enhancing our overall well-being.
