Finland Secures Top Spot for Eighth Consecutive Year in World Happiness Report
For the eighth year in a row, Finland has claimed the title of the world’s happiest country, according to the latest World Happiness Report. The report, released on the United Nations International Day of Happiness on March 20, highlights Finland’s consistent performance in maintaining its No. 1 ranking.
In contrast, the United States slipped to No. 24 in the 2025 report, marking its lowest ranking to date. The report emphasizes declining happiness and social trust in the U.S. and parts of Europe as contributing factors to political polarization and dissatisfaction with the system.
Despite these challenges, global research reveals that people are generally kinder than perceived. John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent goodness in others, which can lead to increased happiness and a positive outlook on one’s community.
The report, based on Gallup World Poll data from over 140 countries, evaluates countries’ happiness levels using factors like GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Nordic countries such as Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway follow closely behind Finland in the rankings, benefiting from robust health, education, and social support systems. These nations also exhibit low levels of inequality in overall well-being.
Notably, Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, reflecting strong social networks and positive economic outlooks among their residents. The Netherlands, Israel, and Luxembourg rounded out the top 10, showcasing a diverse mix of countries excelling in happiness metrics.
In contrast, the United Kingdom reported its lowest life evaluation since 2017, landing at No. 23, while Canada maintained its position in the top 20 at No. 18 despite recent happiness declines.
The report underscores the significance of fostering positive interactions and empathy in daily life, as negativity can detrimentally impact one’s happiness. Simple acts of kindness and active listening can lead to a more cooperative and harmonious society.
In a global context, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving happiness in certain regions. Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe also rank among the lowest five countries in the report.
The World Happiness Report serves as a valuable resource for understanding the factors that contribute to well-being on a national level, offering insights into the importance of social connections, trust, and community support in fostering happiness worldwide.