For the eighth consecutive year, Finland is crowned the world’s happiest country, with an average life evaluation score of 7.736 (out of 10). Other countries, such as Lithuania, Slovenia, and Czechia, have also seen upward trends in their happiness rankings, signaling a convergence of happiness levels between Eastern, Central, and Western Europe.
The United States (24th) and the United Kingdom (23rd) both report their lowest rankings in recent years. The UK experiences its lowest life evaluation since 2017. This is stated in the 2025 World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.
The report emphasizes the vital role that belief in the kindness of others plays in boosting happiness. This year’s findings were launched on the UN’s International Day of Happiness. They rank the happiest countries. The findings also offer interdisciplinary perspectives on global wellbeing.
The report ranks countries based on a three-year average of life quality assessments from their populations. Experts across various fields, including economics, psychology, and sociology, analyze the reasons behind the happiness levels observed. They consider factors like GDP, life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and corruption perceptions. These elements help explain the variance in happiness across nations.
THE POWER OF TRUST: A KEY INDICATOR OF HAPPINESS
One of the most striking revelations in the 2025 report is that believing others will return a lost wallet. This belief is a powerful predictor of national happiness. Nordic countries, known for their high levels of trust, once again dominate the top rankings. Interestingly, people tend to underestimate the kindness of their communities. While individuals expect a lost wallet to be returned about half the time, actual return rates are much higher. They are almost twice as high.
SHARED MEALS AND SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: A BOOST TO WELLBEING
The act of sharing meals is strongly linked to happiness, regardless of geographic location. Yet, the report highlights a troubling trend in the United States. Dining alone has increased by 53% in the past 20 years. This shift reflects a growing sense of social isolation, which is a key contributor to declining wellbeing.
Moreover, household size plays a significant role in happiness. In countries like Mexico and many parts of Europe, people in four to five-member households report the highest happiness levels. Yet, many Europeans are increasingly living alone, which may contribute to a decrease in social connectedness.
RISING LONELINESS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
The report also reveals concerning trends regarding social support. In 2023, 19% of young adults globally reported having no one to turn to for support. This marks a 39% increase compared to 2006, underscoring a rising sense of loneliness among younger generations.
THE IMPACT OF DECLINING SOCIAL TRUST ON POLITICS
Happiness and social trust are declining in the United States and parts of Europe. These factors contribute to the rise of political polarization and anti-system movements. This shift reflects a deeper societal trend that intertwines with the diminishing sense of community and mutual trust.
A CALL FOR SOCIAL RENEWAL
Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre and a key figure in the report, urges action. “This year’s findings suggest that beyond health and wealth, trust and shared meals play an even stronger role in determining wellbeing. We live in an era marked by social isolation and political division. We must work to bring people together again. This is essential for both personal and collective happiness.”
A NEW PATH TO WELLBEING
The World Happiness Report 2025 challenges the traditional view of happiness, suggesting that trust, kindness, and social connections are just as crucial as economic factors. As the world grapples with rising social isolation and political divides, fostering trust and community could hold the key to a more harmonious and happy future.
