Finland has once again been crowned the happiest country globally, according to the latest World Happiness Report, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top. Meanwhile, Canada secured the 18th spot, maintaining its position despite a steady decline in happiness levels over the past decade.
The United States, in stark contrast, slipped to its lowest-ever ranking at 24th place, reflecting increasing social and political dissatisfaction, especially among younger Americans who reported feeling less supported, less free, and more pessimistic about the future.
Released on March 20 to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness, the 2025 report ranks countries based on evaluations from the last three years (2022-2024), assessing GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Nordic nations dominated once more:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, credited with robust social connections and public trust in governance.
Canada’s persistent decline in happiness was attributed to rising living costs, housing affordability issues, and public dissatisfaction with government actions. The UK also experienced similar challenges, dropping to 23rd.
India saw slight improvement, climbing from 126th to 118th, driven by strong social support. However, India’s low score in personal freedom remained a concern. Among India’s neighbors, Nepal ranked highest at 92, followed by China (68), Pakistan (109), Sri Lanka (133), and Bangladesh (134).