It’s been more than 10 years since the first World Happiness Report came out in 2012. Since then, the United Nations releases this report every year. It tells us which countries have the happiest people.
The 2025 report came out on 20 March, which is also World Happiness Day! It checks how people feel about their lives over the past three years. The report looks at 6 things: social support, income, health, freedom, kindness, and no corruption. Countries where most people have equal access to these things are usually happier.
For the first time in 2024, the report also ranked happiness by age. Lithuania is the happiest country for people under 30, and Denmark is the happiest for people over 60. The report found that older people born before 1965 are happier than younger people. Millennials (born after 1980) feel less happy as they get older, but Baby Boomers feel happier with age.
But there is some good news too! After Covid-19, more people, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are helping others more often. This kindness is growing across generations.
Which is the happiest country in the world?
Finland is the happiest country for the 8th year in a row!
Where is India on the list?
India is ranked 118th this year, better than last year’s 126th spot. It is doing better than Gambia (117th) and Uganda (116th).
How does the ranking work?
People answer how happy they are on a scale of 0 to 10. Zero means very unhappy and 10 means very happy. The report then looks at why happiness is higher in some countries, using the six factors.
Top 5 happiest countries in 2025
5️⃣ Netherlands – Known for its kindness, bike-friendly cities like Amsterdam, and a rich culture.
4️⃣ Sweden – Strong social support, long life expectancy, and progressive values, especially for LGBTQ+ rights.
3️⃣ Iceland – Offers equality, strong services, and peace, making people feel secure and happy.
2️⃣ Denmark – High taxes, but people get great public services, which keeps them among the happiest.
1️⃣ Finland – Topping the list again! High trust, freedom, income, and kindness keep Finns smiling.
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