World Happiness Report 2025: US Drops to Record Low, Finland Still No. 1

The US continued its downward path as it dropped to a record low in the 2025 World Happiness Report

Countries with strong social ties tend to have higher happiness scores. Studies show that loneliness can decrease life expectancy as much as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Representative Image: Pexels

Published on:

21 Mar 2025, 3:10 pm

The United States has fallen further down the rankings for the second year in a row in the 2025 World Happiness Report. After falling out of the top 20 for the first time in history in 2024, the US now sits at No. 24—its lowest ranking ever. The latest report was released on Thursday, March 20.

But what is this report?

The World Happiness Report is an annual study that ranks countries based on how satisfied their citizens are with their lives. It is conducted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network in collaboration with Gallup and other research organizations. The rankings are determined through a self-reported life satisfaction survey, which includes factors such as economic stability, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and levels of corruption.

Who topped the happiness charts in 2025?

Once again, the Nordic countries continue to dominate, taking the top four spots. Here's a look at this year's 25 happiest countries:

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. Costa Rica (New to Top 10!)

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico (New to Top 10!)

11. Australia

12. New Zealand

13. Switzerland

14. Belgium

15. Ireland

16. Lithuania

17. Austria

18. Canada

19. Slovenia

20. Czechia

21. United Arab Emirates

22. Germany

23. United Kingdom

24. United States (Lowest Ranking Ever)

25. Belize

Why is the US ranking dropping?

The United States once ranked 11th in 2012, but it has been steadily declining. One contributing factor? A growing sense of loneliness. The report highlights that the number of Americans who eat out alone has increased by 53 percent in the past two decades.

Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for seven consecutive years (2018-2025) in the World Happiness Report. Representative Image: Pexels

Key takeaways from the report

Europe dominates the top 20, with a few exceptions.
Costa Rica and Mexico make the top 10 for the first time!

How are these rankings determined?

The rankings are based on self-reported life satisfaction surveys, conducted in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth—it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back.

Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup

What about India and its Neighbors?

India ranked 118 out of 147 countries.
Afghanistan ranked the lowest.
India's other neighboring countries were as follows:
Sri Lanka at 133
Bangladesh at 134
Pakistan at 109
Nepal at 92
China at 68.

As happiness levels change around the world, the big question is how can countries, including the United States, improve the well-being of their citizens?

References:

World Happiness Report. "World Happiness Data Table." World Happiness Report. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://data.worldhappiness.report/table.
World Happiness Report. World Happiness Report 2025 Edition. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2025/.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)

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World Happiness Report 2025: US Drops to Record Low, Finland Still No. 1

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