The World Happiness Report 2025, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, reveals that Finland has been named the happiest country globally for the eighth year in a row. The report assesses 147 countries based on factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Top 5 Happiest Countries in Europe:
- Finland – 7.736
- Denmark – 7.521
- Iceland – 7.515
- Sweden – 7.345
- Netherlands – 7.306
These nations consistently score high due to strong social support systems, low corruption levels, and high levels of freedom and generosity among citizens.
Top 5 Least Happy Countries in Europe:
- Ukraine – 4.7
- Albania – 5.4
- Bulgaria – 5.6
- North Macedonia – 5.5
- Greece/Montenegro/Cyprus/Russia – 5.9 (all sharing the same score)
The report highlights that countries with lower happiness scores often face challenges such as economic instability, political unrest, and limited access to quality healthcare and education.
United States Ranking:
The United States has dropped to its lowest position ever, ranking 24th in the 2025 report. This decline is attributed to factors like decreased social support, increased perceptions of corruption, and a decline in the sense of freedom among citizens.
Key Insights:
- The report emphasizes the importance of social connections and trust in institutions as significant contributors to national happiness.
- Nordic countries continue to dominate the top rankings, showcasing the effectiveness of their social policies and community-centric approaches.
- The decline in happiness in countries like the U.S. underscores the need for policies that enhance social support and reduce inequality.
For a detailed overview and to explore the full rankings, visit the official World Happiness Report website: worldhappiness.report.
