The World Happiness Report -- published yearly by the Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network & an independent editorial board -- brings new insights on where in the world happiness is a way of life.
The 2025 report, while looking at global well-being, discovered that Finland continues to lead as the happiest nation on the planet.
Named the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row, with a happiness score of 7.736, the Finns have strong work-life balance, solid social support and a culture of kindness all of which contributes towards happiness. Plus, their average life expectancy is 81 years.
Denmark takes second place -- a happiness score of 7.521. It's probably the Danes' focus on equality and community spirit that makes happiness flower. Other key factors: Free healthcare from the government, tuition-free universities, subsidised childcare, generous pensions. Happiness often accompanies financial security.
This Scandinavian country scored 7.515. Economic stability and strong social support, among myriad other things, helps happiness thrive here, way up on top of the world.
Like its Nordic neighbours, Sweden -- with a happiness score of 7.345 -- does a great job with social welfare, economic stability, stamping out corruption and environmental protection. These are all factors that contribute towards a great quality of life.
Given the way of life in The Netherlands -- plenty of exercise, bicycling, good eating (they are the tallest people in the world), excellent childcare, focus on recycling, less pollution, loads of tulips, pannenkoeken (pancakes) and cheese to cheer them up -- is it surprising that the nation secures the fifth spot on the happiness index with a score of 7.30?
The Central American country also finds a place on this list at No. 6 (happiness score of 7.274). That proves that true happiness isn’t only about wealth but about living in harmony with nature and the people around you, along with sharing and caring.
The list seems to be a Nordic preserve: Norway bags seventh place, scoring 7.262. Since the main criteria of generating a happiness index, according to the report, is asking people about the quality of their life, the Nordic-Scandinavian countries do very well. Norway too is known for its focus on education, healthcare, good living and support systems.
This nation is a puzzling member of this club. But it ranks eighth globally with a happiness score of 7.234.
A wealthy country, part of the Benelux trio, Luxembourg -- No 9 with a score of 7.122 -- despite its tiny size, offers a high standard of living because of a strong economy.
Though this country often faces alarming levels of violence, it still makes the list at No 10 with a happiness score of 6.979.
India did a little better this year, graduating from 126 to 118 (happiness score of 4.389), out of 147 countries. This rise on the index highlights both the challenges our nation faces and the strides it has taken.
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