On March 20, on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Happiness, the World Happiness Report 2025 was officially released. Accordingly, Finland continues to hold the position of the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. Meanwhile, the US has dropped to 24th place - the lowest position ever for this country in the rankings.
The World Happiness Report is conducted by Gallup, an American global data analytics and consulting company, in conjunction with the Oxford Happiness Research Centre, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an editorial board. Data is collected from more than 140 countries, with assessment criteria based on life satisfaction levels over the past three years (2022-2024).
Happiness rankings are determined through surveys in which people rate their satisfaction with their lives. Six key factors that determine the rankings between countries include:
- GDP per capita
- Social support
- Healthy life expectancy
- Personal freedom
- Generosity
- Perceived level of corruption
With stable social security systems, education and health care, the Nordic countries continue to dominate the rankings. Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden maintain their top four positions as in 2024. Norway also makes the top 10 at 7th place.
Finland continues to lead thanks to its welfare system and spirit of solidarity.
According to economist John Helliwell, one of the authors of the report, trust and solidarity within the community are important factors in Finland's position as number one. "Having a welfare state does not mean that lost wallets are automatically returned," Helliwell said, noting that the Nordic countries are always among the top in terms of the percentage of lost wallets returned. "It's about individuals taking care of the people around them."
In addition, the national spirit, strengthened by history, typically after the Winter War of 1939-1940, also contributed to creating strong social cohesion. “They did not win that war, but they united and realized that even in the face of overwhelming power, they could still do extraordinary things,” he added.
Another factor that helps Finland maintain its position is its less materialistic mindset. “It’s becoming more and more important to focus on personal values rather than material things,” Helliwell says.
Additionally, this year's report noted the rise of two Latin American countries. Costa Rica rose to sixth place, while Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time thanks to its strong community support systems and economic confidence.
Compared to previous years, the US continued its downward trend in the happiness rankings, falling to 24th place.
According to Ilana Ron-Levey, executive director at Gallup, the main reason is the decline in happiness among young people under 30. “Young Americans today feel less supported by family and friends, less free to make life choices and less optimistic about their standard of living,” she said.
Not only the US, the UK also fell to 23rd place - the lowest level since 2017. Canada, despite the downward trend, still maintained its 18th place on the list.
The United States and the United Kingdom continue to fall in the rankings.
In the face of declining happiness levels, Helliwell believes that there needs to be a change in the way people treat each other. “People around us are better than what we think they are, and realizing this will make you much happier,” he shared.
“Take a serious look at the people you work with, the people you live with, the people you meet on the street, and look at them in a brighter light. It will change everything from how you behave in traffic to how you behave when you discuss politics.”
List of 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 (147th) remains at the bottom of the list. The remaining four countries in the group of five least happy countries in the world are Sierra Leone (146th), Lebanon (145th), Malawi (144th) and Zimbabwe (143rd).
Talking less and listening more will help change attitudes, create understanding and connect with each other.
