For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as the world’s happiest country, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. This annual report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, assesses global happiness by evaluating factors such as social support, trust in institutions, and community engagement.
Other Nordic countries continue to perform well in the rankings, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden securing the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively. These nations share common attributes, including robust social welfare systems, high levels of trust among citizens, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
In contrast, the United States has experienced a decline in happiness rankings, falling to its lowest position ever at 24th place. Contributing factors to this decline include an increase in individuals dining alone and a rise in “deaths of despair,” encompassing suicide, alcohol abuse, and drug overdoses.
The 2025 report emphasizes the significance of social connections and community involvement in enhancing individual well-being. It highlights that societies fostering trust and active participation tend to have higher happiness levels.
These findings underscore the importance of cultivating supportive communities and robust social networks to improve overall happiness. They also suggest that policymakers should focus on strengthening social bonds and trust within societies to enhance the well-being of their citizens.