World Happiness Report 2025

World Happiness Report 2025: Finland topped the World Happiness Report 2025 for the eighth consecutive year, while India ranked 118th, below Pakistan (109th).

• About World Happiness Report: It is an annual global report that ranks countries based on life satisfaction and happiness levels of their citizens.

o It reflects how people evaluate their quality of life using statistical data and public perception.

• Publisher: The report was published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• Criteria Used for Ranking: The report uses six key indicators- GDP per capita → Healthy life expectancy → Social support → Freedom → Generosity → Perception of corruption
• Aim of the Report: To measure global well-being and contentment.

o To promote policy focus on mental health → Social trust → Quality of life beyond just economic growth.

• Top 10 Happiest Countries (2025): Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico.
• Bottom 5 Countries: Zimbabwe (143rd), Malawi (144th), Lebanon (145th), Sierra Leone (146th), and Afghanistan (147th).

o United States recorded its lowest-ever position at 24th.

• Key factors: Rankings are based on self-assessed life evaluations through surveys conducted by Gallup.
• Key insights: Happiness is linked not just to wealth but to trust, connection, and social support. Countries with larger household sizes (4-5 people) and a culture of kindness report higher happiness levels.