Happiness is one of the most sought-after yet elusive aspects of life, and measuring it on a national scale is no easy task. A range of social, economic and psychological factors contribute to the happiness of countries across the world.
Each year, the World Happiness Report,which relies heavily on Gallup World Poll data to evaluate and rank the happiness of countries, sheds light on the happiest countries across the world, studying the impact of factors such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, a sense of freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption on overall happiness.
While some nations have consistently held top positions, others have made surprising leaps, reflecting shifting social, economic and political landscapes. Interested to know where your country ranks on the list of the happiest countries in the world? In this article, we will explore the 50 happiest countries in the world for 2025, highlighting the factors behind their rankings.
Major movers in 2025
In 2025, Finland led the world in happiness for the eighth year in a row, with Finns reporting an average score of 7.736 out of 10 when asked to evaluate their lives. Costa Rica and Mexico both enter the top 10 for the first time, while continued upward trends for countries such as Lithuania, Slovenia and Czechia underline the convergence of happiness levels between Eastern, Central and Western Europe.
This year, the United States fell to its lowest-ever position, while the United Kingdom reported its lowest average life evaluation since the 2017 report. One factor causing the decline in the United States was the increasing number of people who eat alone. Another factor contributing to America’s drop was “the rise in political polarization and votes against ‘the system,'” the report said.
Meanwhile, the world’s least happy country this year was Afghanistan.
What makes a country the happiest?
The happiest countries in the world are ranked based on several factors, the most important of which include:
1. Social support networks: People are happier when they feel a sense of community and support. Countries with strong family ties, close-knit communities and government programs that provide assistance in times of need score higher in happiness rankings.
2. GDP per capita: Economic stability plays a significant role in happiness. While wealth alone does not guarantee happiness, countries with higher incomes and lower income inequality tend to provide better living conditions, healthcare and education to citizens and residents.
3. Healthy life expectancy: Access to quality healthcare, nutritious food and a clean environment helps people live longer and healthier lives. Countries with strong healthcare systems rank higher in happiness due to lower stress levels and greater life satisfaction.
4. Freedom: Citizens who feel free to make life choices, express their opinions and shape their own futures tend to be happier. Political stability, democracy and human rights contribute to this sense of autonomy and overall happiness.
5. Generosity: Countries with higher rates of volunteerism, charitable giving and community engagement tend to have happier populations.
6. Perception of corruption: Happiness increases when people trust their governments and institutions. Low corruption levels indicate fairness and transparency, which contribute to social stability and a higher quality of life.
Why is Finland the happiest country in the world?
Finland ranked as the world’s happiest country for the eighth successive year, with experts citing access to nature and a strong welfare system as key factors behind the country’s position. Finland has universally available and high-quality health, education and social support systems. Inequality of well-being is low in the country, and the report’s data suggests a correspondingly lower need for private charity.
Finland’s consistent top position in happiness is also attributed to the high levels of trust and freedom in its society. The country consistently ranks among the best in the world for transparency and the perceived lack of corruption. Finns tend to trust their neighbors, public officials and their government. The country also ranks highly for political, civil and press freedom.
The 50 happiest countries in the world in 2025
According to the World Happiness Report 2025, here are the 50 happiest countries in the world:
1. Finland – 7.736
2. Denmark – 7.521
3. Iceland – 7.515
4. Sweden – 7.345
5. Netherlands – 7.306
6. Costa Rica – 7.274
7. Norway – 7.262
8. Israel – 7.234
9. Luxembourg – 7.122
10. Mexico – 6.979
11. Australia – 6.974
12. New Zealand – 6.952
13. Switzerland – 6.935
14. Belgium – 6.910
15. Ireland – 6.889
16. Lithuania – 6.829
17. Austria – 6.810
18. Canada – 6.803
19. Slovenia – 6.792
20. Czechia – 6.775
21. UAE – 6.759
22. Germany – 6.753
23. United Kingdom – 6.728
24. United States – 6.724
25. Belize – 6.711
26. Poland – 6.673
27. Taiwan Province of China – 6.669
28. Uruguay – 6.661
29. Kosovo – 6.659
30. Kuwait – 6.629
31. Serbia – 6.606
32. Saudi Arabia – 6.600
33. France – 6.593
34. Singapore – 6.565
35. Romania – 6.563
36. Brazil – 6.494
37. El Salvador – 6.492
38. Spain – 6.466
39. Estonia – 6.417
40. Italy – 6.415
41. Panama – 6.407
42. Argentina – 6.397
43. Kazakhstan – 6.378
44. Guatemala – 6.362
45. Chile – 6.361
46. Vietnam – 6.352
47. Nicaragua – 6.330
48. Malta – 6.316
49. Thailand – 6.222
50. Slovakia – 6.221
What are the world’s least happy countries?
The world’s least happy countries include Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, DR Congo and Yemen. These countries rank the lowest on the happiness index because of chronic instability, poverty and lack of basic services, which make it difficult for people to experience security, well-being and optimism about the future.
Some of these countries’ proximity or inclusion in regional conflicts have impacted their rankings. In 2013, Togo was the least happy country but it has since risen twenty places, with an average life evaluation almost 1.4 points higher now than then. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has gone in the reverse direction with a drop of almost 2.7 points between 2013 and 2025. The average life evaluation is now 1.36, marking the lowest average score ever seen on the reports. Furthermore, life is especially difficult for Afghan women, as their average is only 1.16 points.
The lowest frequency of positive emotions is also in Afghanistan. In the top ten for negative emotions, it is joined by three Middle Eastern countries, five African countries, and Armenia.
On the other hand, Lebanon witnessed the biggest rise in the index in 2015 and the biggest fall in 2021 due to the impact of the economic crisis and COVID-19.
Read: 15 safest countries in the world to live and visit in 2025
FAQs
Which country is the happiest in the world?
Finland is the happiest country in the world this year for the eighth year in a row.
Which country is the least happy in the world?
Afghanistan ranks the lowest on the World Happiness Report 2025, with a score of 1.364.
What factors impact a country’s happiness?
Social support networks, GDP per capita, Healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and perception of corruption all all factors that impact a country’s happiness.
Which Arab countries are the happiest in the world?
The UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain are the happiest countries in the Arab world.
