A bilingual site for families of English & Spanish households
Global Happiness Rankings: Finland Leads Again, U.S. Falls to 24th
Country rankings were based on answers people give when asked to rate their own lives. The study was done in partnership with the analytics firm Gallup and the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back,” said Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup. “If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
Jussi Nukari | Afp | Getty Images
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country globally for the eighth consecutive year. The report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, evaluates countries based on various factors, including social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
Top 10 Happiest Countries in 2025:
-
Finland
-
Denmark
-
Iceland
-
Sweden
-
Netherlands
-
Costa Rica
-
Norway
-
Israel
-
Luxembourg
-
Mexico
Notably, Costa Rica and Mexico have entered the top ten for the first time, reflecting the importance of strong social bonds and community life in contributing to national happiness.
The United States has experienced a decline, falling to its lowest position at 24th place. Factors such as increased social isolation and political polarization have contributed to this drop.
The report underscores the significance of social connections, trust in institutions, and community engagement in fostering national happiness. Countries that prioritize these elements tend to rank higher in overall well-being.