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On March 20th, coinciding with the United Nations' International Day of Happiness, the 2025 World Happiness Report was officially released. According to the report, Finland continues to hold the position of the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Meanwhile, the United States has dropped to 24th place – its lowest ranking ever.
The World Happiness Report is produced by Gallup, a global data analytics and consulting firm based in the United States, in collaboration with the Oxford Centre for Happiness Studies, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an editorial board. Data is collected from over 140 countries, with the assessment criteria based on life satisfaction levels over the past three years (2022-2024).
Happiness rankings are determined through surveys in which people self-assess their level of satisfaction with their lives. Six main factors are used to classify rankings among countries, including:
- GDP per capita
- Social support
- Healthy longevity
- Personal freedom
- Generosity
- Perception level of corruption
With stable social security systems, education, and healthcare, the Nordic countries continue to dominate the rankings. Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden maintain their top four positions from 2024. Norway also features in the top 10, ranking 7th.
Finland continues to lead thanks to its welfare system and spirit of solidarity.
According to economist John Helliwell, one of the report's founders, trust and solidarity within the community are key factors in Finland's number one ranking. "Having a welfare state doesn't mean lost wallets will automatically be returned," Helliwell said, emphasizing that Nordic countries consistently rank among the leaders in the rate of returned lost wallets. "It's thanks to individuals caring about those around them."
Furthermore, the national spirit, reinforced by history, particularly after the Winter War of 1939-1940, also contributed to strong social cohesion. “They didn’t win that war, but they united and realized that even when faced with overwhelming power, they could still achieve extraordinary things,” he added.
Another factor that helps Finland maintain its position is its less materialistic mindset. "These days, focusing on personal values rather than material possessions is becoming increasingly important," Helliwell observes.
Additionally, this year's report notes the rise of two Latin American countries. Costa Rica climbed to sixth place, while Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time thanks to its strong community support system and confidence in its economy.
Compared to previous years, the US continues its downward trend in the happiness rankings, falling to 24th place.
According to Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director at Gallup, the main reason stems from a decline in happiness among young people under 30. “Young Americans today feel less supported by family and friends, have less freedom in making life choices, and are less optimistic about their standard of living,” she said.
Not only the US, but the UK also fell to 23rd place - its lowest level since 2017. Canada, despite a downward trend, still maintained its 18th position on the list.
The United States and the United Kingdom continue to fall in the rankings.
In light of declining happiness levels, Helliwell suggests a change in how people treat each other. "The people around us are better than we think they are, and realizing this will make you much happier," he shared.
"Take the people you work with, the people you live with, and even the people you meet on the street seriously. Look at them through a brighter lens. It will change everything, from how you behave in traffic to how you discuss politics; it will change everything."
List of the 20 happiest countries in the world in 2025:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Lithuania
- Shirt
- Canada
- Slovenia
- Czech Republic
Afghanistan (position 147) continues to be at the bottom of the list. The remaining four countries in the group of five least happy countries in the world are Sierra Leone (146), Lebanon (145), Malawi (144) and Zimbabwe (143).
Speaking less and listening more will help change attitudes, create understanding, and foster mutual connection.
