Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. The Nordic countries, including Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, also make up the top four spots.
Finland’s high ranking can be attributed to its strong sense of community, trust, and connection among its people. Aino Virolainen, a digital commerce director, attributes her desire to return to Finland after living abroad to the country’s “peace, quietness, and trustworthiness.” She emphasizes that these qualities create a clean environment and fresh air, making it an ideal place to grow and live.
Research shows that sharing meals with others, having someone to count on for social support, and household size can significantly impact happiness. In Mexico and Europe, households of four to five people tend to have higher levels of happiness. Additionally, believing in the kindness of others is closely tied to overall happiness, as shown by countries like Finland and Norway that prioritize trust and connection.
The report also found that global evidence on lost wallets reveals that people are too pessimistic about community kindness – actual rates of wallet return are around twice as high as expected. This is reflected in countries with strong social connections, such as Finland and Iceland.
In contrast, the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever position at 24, with a significant increase in people dining alone over the past two decades. The UK follows closely behind at position 23, while Afghanistan ranks as the unhappiest country for the second year in a row.
The study highlights the importance of social support and trust among communities, emphasizing that happiness is not just about wealth or growth but also about connection and knowing people have one’s back.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/finland-ranked-happiest-country-in-the-world-the-u-s-falls-to-its-lowest-ever-position