With the United Nations International Day of Happiness firmly in the rearview mirror for 2025, the world knows which country is the happiest in the world. Once again, top honors go to the country of Finland, which has remained in the number one spot for eight years. The top four are rounded out by three other Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden, the same order as last year. Norway came in seventh, making everyone wonder what's up with the Norwegians.
High quality health, education, and social support systems are easily accessible and widely available across Nordic countries, which are all key factors in their happiness efforts. Low income equity is also key as is an outdoor way of life that encourages an appreciation of and connection to nature. On top of that, these countries are generally community-minded and tend to be more considerate of each other as well as more cooperative.
Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States did not fare well in the rankings, landing at 18, 23, and 24 respectively. This represents the lowest rankings for all three countries in years. They are going through periods of political and economic turmoil which has in turn impacted resident happiness. There are other factors, as well, but it's no surprise to see said turmoil have a negative impact on these countries.
Since 2012, the World Happiness Report has detailed the relative happiness levels of 140 countries around the world. The report is current published by Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR's editorial board. Data is collected by surveys conducted with residents of each country, leading to collective rankings based on that firsthand data.