The World Happiness Report 2025 names Finland the happiest country for the eighth year, while India ranks 118th. While India shows improvement, it ranks lower than several conflict-affected nations. The report emphasizes the importance of social support and community connections in contributing to happiness. The U.S. has dropped to 24th place, the lowest ever, whereas Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country.
The World Happiness Report 2025, released on March 19, has once again recognized Finland as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year. India has made slight improvements, moving from 126th place in 2024 to 118th this year. Despite this progress, India remains less happy than several conflict-affected nations, including Ukraine, Mozambique, Iran, and others.
Nordic countries continue to dominate the happiness rankings, with Finland leading, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The rankings derive from individuals rating their own lives, and the report involved collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
According to Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, happiness extends beyond economic factors, emphasizing trust and connection. He asserts, “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
The study identifies key factors contributing to happiness, notably sharing meals, social support, and household size. For instance, larger households in Mexico and Europe correlate with higher happiness levels. Additionally, the belief in others’ kindness significantly influences overall happiness more than previously understood.
The report indicates a stark contrast between expected and actual kindness, particularly in Nordic countries, where the rate of lost wallet returns is notably high. Surprisingly, people’s pessimism about community kindness is unfounded, as actual return rates are approximately double what individuals anticipate.
The United States has reached its lowest happiness ranking, now at 24th place, a sharp decline from its peak at 11th in 2012. The report highlights an increase in solitary dining in the U.S. by 53% over the last 20 years. The United Kingdom is also experiencing concerning happiness levels, ranking 23rd.
Afghanistan is identified as the unhappiest country globally, particularly impacting Afghan women’s lives, followed by Sierra Leone and Lebanon. Alarmingly, 19% of young adults reported having no social support, marking a 39% increase since 2006, indicating a growing sense of isolation in this demographic.
Countries were assessed on self-reported life evaluations from 2022 to 2024, with experts analyzing various factors like GDP, life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption to understand the disparities in happiness across nations.
In conclusion, the World Happiness Report 2025 highlights significant insights into global happiness trends, revealing that Finland maintains its status as the happiest country while India continues to struggle relative to conflict-impacted nations. The study emphasizes the importance of social connections, community kindness, and the need for support systems, as well as the alarming isolation among young adults. This report serves as a vital resource for understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing happiness worldwide.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
