World's Happiest Nations: Finland Reigns Supreme for Ninth Year
Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive time, according to the latest edition of the World Happiness Report. Iceland and Denmark followed in second and third place, respectively. The report is compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.
Top Performers and Regional Highlights
Costa Rica achieved its highest ranking at fourth place, marking the strongest performance for a Latin American country. Other Nordic nations, Sweden and Norway, secured fifth and sixth positions. The Netherlands (7th), Luxembourg (9th), and Switzerland (10th) also appeared in the top 10, with Israel ranking eighth.
The United States placed 23rd, Canada 25th, and the United Kingdom 29th. For the second consecutive year, none of the native English-speaking countries (US, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Canada, UK) appeared in the top 10, though New Zealand (11th), Ireland (13th), and Australia (15th) were in the top 20.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
The rankings are determined using the Gallup World Poll, which surveys respondents in 147 countries to evaluate their lives on a scale of 0 to 10, known as the Cantril Ladder. Researchers consider six key factors: GDP per capita, life expectancy, generosity, and perceptions of freedom and corruption. The rankings are based on a three-year average to account for significant events. Finland's average life satisfaction score was 7.764.
Understanding Finland's Consistent Success
John F. Helliwell, professor emeritus of economics at the University of British Columbia and a founding editor of the report, attributed Finland's consistent high ranking to its commitment to cooperation. He stated that "successful societies cooperate during adversity, and this collective sense contributes to wellbeing." In comparison, US respondents reported an average life evaluation of 6.816.
A Growing Concern: Decline in Youth Happiness
The report also highlighted a decline in youth happiness, particularly among those under 25 in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the last decade, life evaluations for this demographic in these countries dropped by nearly one full point on the 0-10 scale, while the average satisfaction for young people in other parts of the world increased. Helliwell identified the extent and nature of social media use as a contributing factor, though he noted negative emotions are increasing globally.
The Impact of the Digital Age
While internet and social media consumption is widespread, researchers indicated that the number of hours young people spend on social media or gaming is a key factor in the sharp drop in youth happiness. Helliwell suggested that the way social media is used is crucial, noting that Latin American youth have high social media use but strong and growing wellbeing. He added that there is a "sweet spot" for internet connectivity, advising against being either too unconnected or too connected.
Wealthier countries generally performed well, with the United Arab Emirates at 21st and Saudi Arabia at 22nd. The report emphasizes the complex nature of global wellbeing and the role of the digital age in reshaping the social and emotional foundations of happiness. Zeynep Ozkok, an economist, stated that the effects of the digital age are not uniform and depend on individual and environmental factors.
Despite concerns, the report's authors are not pessimistic. Measures are being enacted globally to safeguard youth from social media risks. Helliwell also noted the importance of fundamental societal values, citing Finland as an example where cooperation and trust contribute to high happiness levels.
The Least Happy Nations
At the lower end of the ranking, countries experiencing significant geopolitical conflict appeared. Afghanistan ranked last at 147th.
Full Rankings
Top 10 Happiest Countries:
- (1) Finland
- (2) Iceland
- (3) Denmark
- (4) Costa Rica
- (5) Sweden
- (6) Norway
- (7) Netherlands
- (8) Israel
- (9) Luxembourg
- (10) Switzerland
Bottom 5 Countries:
- (143) Botswana
- (144) Zimbabwe
- (145) Malawi
- (146) Sierra Leone
- (147) Afghanistan