World Happiness Day 2025: the annual ranking of the happiest countries

It is no surprise to find Finland in first place in the ranking of the happiest countries according to the World Happiness Report 2025. Denmark and Iceland complete the podium

Each year, the World Happiness Day is celebrated, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. On this occasion, the World Happiness Report 2025 was released, which measures the well-being of countries through a variety of key indicators, including the quality of social relationships, trust in institutions, economic support, and health.

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has retained its title as the happiest country in the world. Denmark and Iceland, two Nordic countries known for high levels of well-being, social equity, and quality of life, round out the top three. The following positions include Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico, which makes its debut in the top 10 this year.

Social connection is key to happiness

This year’s report focused particularly on the concept of sharing, emphasizing how strong social relationships and a sense of community are essential for happiness. An interesting finding highlights the growing loneliness among younger people: 19% of respondents reported having no one to rely on for emotional support.

It’s not just the nordics that are happy

Among the surprises this year were Costa Rica, which secured a strong 6th place, and Mexico, which placed 10th, showing that happiness is not exclusive to Nordic countries. On the other hand, the United States saw a significant decline, dropping to 24th place. At the bottom of the ranking, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and Lebanon are listed as the countries with the lowest levels of happiness.

The World Happiness Report 2025 confirms that happiness is not solely dependent on income or economic stability, but primarily on the quality of human relationships, a sense of community, and trust in the future.

Ranking of the Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World

Here is the list of the top 10 happiest countries:

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. Costa Rica

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico