Finland Retains Title as World's Happiest Country in World Happiness Report 2025

Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report 2025, which was released on Thursday. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Finland has held the No. 1 spot in the global happiness rankings. Other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, continue to rank in the top four, maintaining their positions from last year.

India’s Improvement in Happiness Ranking

India showed a slight improvement in its happiness ranking, moving up from 126th place in 2024 to 118th in the 2025 report. The World Happiness Report is based on an analysis of how residents of 147 countries rate their quality of life, using various metrics.

The U.S. Drops to Record Low in Happiness Ranking

The United States, which has failed to make the top 10, has dropped to 24th place, its lowest-ever position in the happiness rankings. This is a significant decline, as the U.S. had dropped out of the top 20 for the first time since 2012. The report notes that the number of people dining alone in the U.S. has increased by 53% over the past two decades, a trend that may be contributing to this decline in happiness.

Factors Affecting Happiness Beyond Wealth and Health

Researchers highlighted that while health and wealth are crucial factors in determining happiness, other seemingly simple elements also play a significant role. These include sharing meals with others, having social support, and household size. The report found that countries like Mexico and various European nations, where households tend to have four to five members, report higher levels of happiness.

Another surprising factor influencing happiness is trust. The report suggests that people who believe in the kindness of others, such as believing that someone would return a lost wallet, tend to be happier. Nordic countries, known for their high levels of social trust, rank highly for the return of lost wallets.

Other Notable Findings in the Report

While European nations dominate the top 20 in the rankings, there are some notable exceptions. Israel, despite its ongoing conflict with Hamas, ranked 8th, and Costa Rica and Mexico both made it into the top 10 for the first time, ranking 6th and 10th, respectively. On the other hand, the United Kingdom, at 23rd, recorded its lowest life evaluation since the 2017 report.

The Unhappiest Countries in the World

Afghanistan continues to hold the position of the unhappiest country in the world, with Afghan women reporting particularly difficult lives. Sierra Leone, in West Africa, ranks second from the bottom, followed by Lebanon, which holds the 3rd place from the bottom.

A Growing Crisis of Social Isolation Among Young Adults

A concerning trend revealed in the report is that 19% of young adults globally reported in 2023 that they have no one they can rely on for social support, a significant 39% increase from 2006. This underscores the growing issue of social isolation, particularly among younger generations.

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