Finland Tops World Happiness Rankings for Eighth Year

HELSINKI, Finland — For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report 2025, published on Thursday. The report, compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, ranks countries based on individuals’ self-assessments of their quality of life.

The top four spots in the happiness rankings are dominated by Nordic nations: Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden follow Finland, continuing a trend that underscores the region’s commitment to social welfare, equality, and community cohesion.

Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, a partner in the study, highlighted the importance of social support in contributing to happiness. “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back,” he stated. “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”

The report suggests that certain simple actions significantly influence happiness levels, including sharing meals and having reliable social support networks. The analysis indicates that larger household sizes, particularly four to five people, lead to higher happiness levels in countries like Mexico and across Europe.

Interestingly, beliefs about interpersonal kindness also play a pivotal role in overall happiness. The report indicates that individuals who believe in the likelihood of others returning lost wallets predict a higher level of happiness in a population. Nordic nations excelled in both expected and actual rates of wallet returns, emphasizing a culture of trust.

While European countries dominate the happiness rankings, Israel secured the eighth spot despite ongoing conflict. Costa Rica and Mexico made notable entries into the top ten for the first time, sitting at sixth and tenth, respectively.

In stark contrast, the United States fell to its lowest-ever ranking at 24th place, a significant drop from its peak of 11th in 2012. The report attributes this decline partly to a 53% increase in the number of individuals dining alone in the U.S. over the past two decades, highlighting a growing social isolation trend.

The United Kingdom also faces challenges, ranking at 23rd and reporting its lowest average life evaluation since 2017. Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country globally, with women reporting particularly difficult living conditions. Sierra Leone and Lebanon follow in the rankings.

In a troubling revelation, the report notes that 19% of young adults worldwide reported having no social support in 2023, reflecting a 39% increase since 2006. This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing social connectivity and mental health on a global scale.

The rankings were determined through average self-assessed life evaluations from 2022 to 2024, taking numerous factors into account, including GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, and societal trust levels.

The findings convey a stark reminder of the priorities that determine happiness. Experts suggest focusing on fostering relationships and community engagement to combat rising isolation and unhappiness.