Top Countries Ranking as Happiest Globally in 2025
Topping the Happiness Chart Again: Finland Remains World's Happiest Country
Another year, another victory for Finland, maintaining its title as the world's happiest country for the eighth year running, according to the World Happiness Report. Meanwhile, things aren't quite as sunny in the United States, plummeting to number 24 - its lowest ranking yet in the 2025 report.
This edition of the annual report, marking the UN International Day of Happiness on March 20, sheds light on the correlation between declining happiness and social trust, and the rise of political polarization in parts of Europe and the United States. However, there's a silver lining - global research reveals that humans are far kinder than we often suspect!
"People's fellow citizens are better than they think they are, and realizing this will undoubtedly make you happier. But it'll also alter your perspective on your neighbors," John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, shared. By viewing a stranger as a simple friend you haven't yet met instead of a potential threat, we foster a more cooperative outlook, he added.
Despite Finland'srank, there's always room for improvement, Helliwell stated. Our capacity to perceive ourselves as part of a collective that looks out for one another remains underutilized as an essential happiness booster, he emphasized. Over 140 countries participate in the survey, with countries ranked on happiness based on their average life evaluations over the preceding three years.
The World Happiness Report considers six key variables to help explain life evaluations: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Nordic Powers Dominating Happiness
Unsurprisingly, the Nordic countries reign supreme in the happiness arena. For the eighth year in a row, Finland captures the #1 spot, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden hot on its heels. Finland's success can be linked to its access to high-quality healthcare, education, and social support systems, coupled with low inequality in well-being.
Socially supportive systems play a crucial role in Finland's happiness, but individual actions also play a part, according to Helliwell. For instance, Finnish citizens prove their caring nature by returning lost wallets at significantly higher rates than other nations.
Other factors that could contribute to Finland's impressive performance include the unity and trust cultivated during the Winter War of 1939-40 and a less materialistic outlook on life.
The United States Struggles in Happiness Rankings
In stark contrast, the United States slips to #24, marking its lowest ranking ever in the report. Why the dip? Younger Americans under 30 appear to be feeling less supported by friends, family, and institutions, leading to lower life evaluations, Ron-Levey explained.
The 2025 report highlights that happiness can be precarious among the younger generation in several countries, with the United States not the only English-speaking country experiencing happiness challenges. At #23, the United Kingdom follows suit, reporting its lowest average life evaluation since 2017.
However, Helliwell offers a simple yet effective "balm" for everyone - caring more about the people in our lives. By adopting a more positive outlook and engaging in more active listening, we can open the doors to greater cooperation and happiness, he suggested.
The Top 20 Happiest Countries in 2025
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Lithuania
- Austria
- Canada
- Slovenia
- Czech Republic
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan retains its position as the least happy country, with Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe comprising the bottom five for happiness.
Traveling to Finland in 2025 could potentially be a high point, as the country, already the world's happiest nation for eight consecutive years, may continue to provide a rich, cheerful experience. Interestingly, Finland's high ranking is not just attributed to its social supportive systems, but also the actions of its citizens - like returning lost wallets at a higher rate - that foster a cooperative outlook, acting as an essential happiness booster.
