Finland has retained its top spot as the world’s happiest country, according to the latest World Happiness Report. The report, which is released annually on the United Nations International Day of Happiness (March 20), ranks countries based on their average life evaluations over the past three years.
The US, however, fell to 24th place in the latest rankings, marking its lowest ranking yet. The decline in happiness among Americans is attributed to young people feeling unsupported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards.
Despite this, experts say that kindness and social connections are key to happiness. “People’s fellow citizens are better than they think they are,” says John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report. “Realizing this can lead to greater happiness and a more positive outlook on life.”
Finland’s strong performance is attributed to its universal healthcare system, high-quality education, and social support networks. The country’s unity and trust in the face of adversity, particularly during the Winter War in 1939-40, also played a role.
The report highlights six key variables that contribute to happiness: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. While there is no single “balm” for happiness, experts say that focusing on kindness and social connections can lead to significant changes in behavior and attitude.
Overall, the World Happiness Report provides valuable insights into what contributes to happiness around the world. As John Helliwell notes, “Looking seriously at the people with whom you are working, living, or interacting can change your behavior and lead to greater cooperation.”
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/worlds-happiest-countries-2025-wellness/index.html