Finland, recognized as the happiest nation globally, has held its leading position for eight straight years. Here are some reasons behind this happiness.
Finland, the happiest country in the world, has successfully maintained its top position for eight consecutive years, while the situation, for example, in the United States is less favorable.
The World Happiness Report evaluates countries based on self-reported life assessments averaged from 2022 to 2024, using responses to the Cantril ladder question featured in the Gallup World Poll.
This question prompts participants to envision a ladder where a score of 10 represents their ideal life and a score of zero signifies the worst possible existence.
Respondents then rate their current lives using this scale. The Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, which compiles the report, notes that besides the Cantril ladder question, six additional variables are considered for over 130 countries included in the rankings.
The variables include:
- GDP per capita
- Social Support
- Healthy life expectancy
- Freedom
- Generosity
- Freedom of corruption
But, wait a minute! Why has the United States dropped to 24th place, earning its lowest ranking yet in the 2025 report?
In the United States and certain areas of Europe, a decrease in happiness and social trust has played a major role in the increase of political polarization and opposition to “the system,” according to the report.
People in Finland, on the other hand, have more faith in others and are more optimistic about the future. They enjoy support from friends and family and believe in “good deeds,” which also boosts the happiness of the giver.
The ten happiest countries in the world
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
