The list ranks 147 countries based on how they assess their quality of life
The US has fallen to its lowest ever place on the World Happiness Report, which lists the happiest countries across the globe.
Released annually on the International Day of Happiness, the highly anticipated list ranks 147 countries based on their overall quality of life and well-being.
Compiled by the Gallup World Poll, the rankings go beyond wealth and economic growth, emphasizing the powerful role of trust, human connection, and a strong support system in shaping happiness.
“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back,” says Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, highlighting the deeper, more meaningful aspects of a fulfilling life.
This year, the United States has slipped one spot lower than its 2024 ranking, now placing 24th in the world for happiness. The decline continues from its highest peak at 11th place in 2012, signaling a notable shift in national well-being.
One surprising factor highlighted in the report is the impact of shared meals on happiness levels. Researchers found a dramatic increase in the number of Americans dining alone—up by over 50% since 2003.
“In 2023, roughly 1 in 4 Americans reported eating all of their meals alone the previous day — an increase of 53% since 2003,” the report states, adding that young people have been especially affected by this trend.
Additionally, the study pointed to the rise in political polarization and growing distrust in the system as major contributors to the country’s declining happiness. “The nationwide evolution of happiness and trust is highly associated with the rise in the likelihood of voting for anti-system parties in Western Europe and the United States,” the report explained.
As the US grapples with these social and political shifts, the findings raise important questions about the deeper factors influencing the nation’s overall well-being.
Top 25 Happiest Nations in the World
1️⃣ Finland 🇫🇮
2️⃣ Denmark 🇩🇰
3️⃣ Iceland 🇮🇸
4️⃣ Sweden 🇸🇪
5️⃣ Netherlands 🇳🇱
6️⃣ Costa Rica 🇨🇷 🔥 (New in the Top 10!)
7️⃣ Norway 🇳🇴
8️⃣ Israel 🇮🇱
9️⃣ Luxembourg 🇱🇺
🔟 Mexico 🇲🇽 🌟 (New in the Top 10!)
- Australia 🇦🇺
- New Zealand 🇳🇿
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
- Belgium 🇧🇪
- Ireland 🇮🇪
- Lithuania 🇱🇹
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Czechia 🇨🇿
- United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
- Germany 🇩🇪
- United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- United States 🇺🇸 📉 (Dropped one spot!)
- Belize 🇧🇿
The rankings, compiled from data across 140+ countries, are published annually by Gallup, the United Nations, and the University of Oxford.
Notable changes this year include Costa Rica and Mexico breaking into the Top 10, while the UK narrowly edges out the US at 23rd place. With happiness driven by trust, social connections, and well-being, these rankings highlight the global trends shaping the quality of life worldwide. 🌍✨
For the eighth year in a row, Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world—and its residents seem to agree! 🇫🇮✨
But beyond the rankings, researchers have uncovered encouraging insights about global happiness:
💡 People are kinder than we think!
When researchers dropped wallets on the street, far more were returned than expected—proving that generosity is alive and well.
💡 Perception shapes happiness.
We tend to underestimate others’ kindness, but simply learning about their true benevolence can boost our own well-being.
💡 Kindness benefits those who need it most.
In societies with higher levels of generosity, happiness is more evenly distributed, uplifting those who might otherwise struggle.
These findings highlight a powerful truth: trust and connection matter just as much as wealth when it comes to happiness. 💙🌍
