Vietnam has been ranked the second happiest country in Southeast Asia as per the 2025 World Happiness Report, improving its position to 46th globally. Finland retains the title of the happiest nation, followed by dominant Nordic countries. Meanwhile, the United States has dropped to its lowest ranking at 24th. The report focuses on the importance of trust and social connections in contributing to happiness, while highlighting rising social isolation among youth.
Vietnam has been recognized as the second happiest country in Southeast Asia, following Singapore, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report released recently. The country improved its global ranking from 54th in 2023 to 46th in 2025, marking it as one of the top gainers in Asia alongside China, Mongolia, and the Philippines.
The report highlighted Finland as the happiest nation for the eighth consecutive year, with Nordic countries, including Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, securing top positions. Many European nations also performed well, dominating a majority of the top 20 rankings. Notably, Israel ranked eighth despite ongoing conflicts, while Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, securing the sixth and tenth positions, respectively.
In contrast, the United States recorded its lowest-ever ranking at 24th, attributed to an increase in the number of Americans dining alone, which has surged by 53 percent over the past two decades. Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the list as the least happy country, followed by Sierra Leone and Lebanon.
The rankings stemmed from self-assessments of life satisfaction published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, emphasized that true happiness transcends wealth, incorporating elements such as trust and social connections.
Clifton stated, “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth – it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back.” He remarked on the necessity of investing in human connections to foster stronger communities and economies. Researchers indicated that key determinants of happiness include health, economic status, and basic social interactions.
Additionally, the report uncovered a worrying trend: 19 percent of young people globally reported feeling they have no one to rely on for support, marking a 39 percent increase since 2006.
In conclusion, the 2025 World Happiness Report sheds light on Vietnam’s notable progress in happiness rankings within Southeast Asia, highlighting key elements that contribute to overall satisfaction such as trust and social support. While nations like Finland remain at the forefront, the concerning rise in social isolation among youth indicates pressing challenges that need to be addressed worldwide. The findings advocate for a deeper investment in community and social relationships to enhance collective well-being.
Original Source: asianews.network
