Finland Retains Top Spot as World’s Happiest Country for the 8th Consecutive Year, While the U.S. Drops to 24th Place in 2025 World Happiness Report
Finland has maintained its position as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. However, the United States has seen a concerning decline, dropping to 24th place, marking its lowest ranking ever.
The report highlights several factors contributing to this decline in the U.S., including rising social isolation, a politically divided society, and a general decline in welfare and quality of life. The increasing trend of Americans choosing to dine alone is a reflection of growing social disconnection. In 2023, nearly one in four Americans reported eating all their meals alone, a 53% increase compared to 2003.
The World Happiness Index evaluates countries based on factors such as health, wealth, social support, generosity, and freedom from corruption. Pakistan ranks 109th in the report, while neighboring India is ranked 118th. Both countries reflect different levels of well-being, shaped by a mix of social, economic, and cultural influences.
The top 10 happiest countries in 2025 are Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico, with Finland leading the list, followed by its Nordic neighbors, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
The report, published in collaboration with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, underscores the significant gap between the happiest countries and others, with Finland continuing to be a model for well-being globally.
