Methodology

The World Happiness Report was developed through a partnership with Gallup, the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an editorial board.

For the report, researchers surveyed over 100,000 people in more than 140 countries through the Gallup World Poll between 2022 and 2024. In the survey, participants were asked to rank their happiness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible life.

The researchers also looked at six factors that could explain participants' happiness evaluations:

• Social support
• GDP per capita
• A healthy life expectancy
• Freedom to make life choices
• Generosity
• Perception of corruption

The happiest (and unhappiest) countries in the world

This year, the 10 happiest countries in the world were:

1.       Finland (Score: 7.736)

2.       Denmark (7.521)

3.       Iceland (7.515)

4.       Sweden (Score: 7.345)

5.       Netherlands (Score: 7.306)

6.       Costa Rica (Score: 7.274)

7.       Norway (Score: 7.262)

8.       Israel (Score: 7.234)

9.       Luxembourg (Score: 7.122)

10.   Mexico (Score: 6.979)

In comparison, the 10 unhappiest countries in the world were:

1.       Afghanistan (Score: 1.364)

2.       Sierra Leone (Score: 2.998)

3.       Lebanon (Score: 3.188)

4.       Malawi (Score: 3.260)

5.       Zimbabwe (Score: 3.396)

6.       Botswana (Score: 3.438)

7.       Democratic Republic of the Congo (Score: 3.469)

8.       Yemen (Score: 3.561)

9.       Comoros (Score: 3.754)

10.   Lesotho (Score: 3.757)

US sees new low in happiness

Over the last few years, the United States has seen a decline in the happiness rankings. In 2024, the country fell out of the top 20 for happiness for the first time, ranking 23rd. This year, the United States hit a new low, ranking 24th.

According to the researchers, one factor that likely contributed to America's decline in happiness, as well as lower rankings of some European countries, was "the rise in political polarization and votes against 'the system.'"

"The country-wide evolution of happiness and trust is highly associated with the rise in the likelihood of voting for anti-system parties in Western Europe and the United States," the researchers wrote.

Decreased happiness among young U.S. adults may have also contributed to the decline. "Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices and less optimistic about their living standards," said Ron-Levey.

More Americans are also eating alone, something that can have a negative impact on well-being. According to the report, around 25% of Americans reported eating all their meals alone the previous day in 2023, a 53% increase since 2003.

Although the factors contributing to happiness are complex, John Helliwell, an economics professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia and a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, said there is a "balm" that everyone can use.

"Look seriously at the people with whom you are working, with whom you are living, who are on your streets, and put on a rosier set of glasses when you're dealing with them," Helliwell said. "And that'll change your behavior in traffic. It'll change your behavior in political discussions. It'll change everything."

The researchers also found that believing in the kindness of others, as well as actively sharing with and caring about others, has strong, positive effects on happiness.

"Happiness isn't just about wealth or growth — it's about trust, connection and knowing people have your back," said Gallup CEO Jon Clifton.