Finland has regained its title as the happiest country for the eighth year, with India ranking better than prior but lower than many conflict-affected nations. The report emphasizes the role of social support and community ties in happiness, while the U.S. experiences a concerning drop in its ranking at 24th. Additionally, a significant number of young adults report lacking social support, signaling a global trend of isolation.
Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, as indicated in the World Happiness Report 2025, released on March 19. Although India has shown a slight improvement in its happiness score, rising from 126 in 2024 to 118 this year, it still ranks lower than several conflict-affected nations, including Ukraine, Mozambique, and Iraq.
Alongside Finland, other Nordic countries such as Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden also feature prominently in the happiness rankings published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. The rankings are derived from surveys where individuals self-rate their quality of life, conducted in collaboration with the analytics firm Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Jon Clifton, Gallup’s CEO, stated, “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
Researchers highlight that factors influencing happiness extend beyond mere wealth; they encompass social connections, such as sharing meals and having reliable support networks. For instance, in Mexico and Europe, households of four to five individuals are linked with higher happiness levels. Moreover, believing in the inherent kindness of others positively correlates with overall happiness.
The report indicates that Nordic nations excel in both expected and actual rates of wallet returns, demonstrating a strong community spirit. Interestingly, people generally underestimate the kindness within their communities, with actual wallet return rates being significantly higher than public perception.
Isolated leads to unhappiness, as evidenced in the United States, which plummeted to its lowest ranking at 24th place, a stark contrast from its peak at 11th in 2012. The report notes a staggering 53% increase in solo dining among Americans over the past twenty years. The United Kingdom also mirrors this trend, now standing at 23rd with its lowest life evaluations since 2017.
In terms of the unhappiest nations, Afghanistan maintains its position at the very bottom, with many Afghan women reporting particularly challenging circumstances. Sierra Leone and Lebanon follow as the second and third unhappiest countries, respectively. Alarmingly, 19% of young adults globally reported having no social support in 2023, a significant rise since 2006.
The rankings consider self-assessed life evaluations averaged over three years (2022-2024), with various academic experts analyzing factors that contribute to the happiness disparities across nations, including GDP, life expectancy, social support, freedom, and perceptions of corruption.
This report underscores Finland’s continued dominance in happiness rankings while revealing significant concerns regarding social support and community connection globally. The data indicates a worrying trend in the decreasing happiness rates in several nations, particularly the United States and United Kingdom. Additionally, the alarming rise in young adults lacking social support prompts a call for greater focus on fostering community ties in efforts to enhance overall well-being. Recognizing and addressing these factors may be essential in creating happier societies worldwide.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
