On the occasion of World Happiness Day, celebrated annually on March 20, the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board, has released the World Happiness Report 2025. This year’s report highlights the significance of caring and sharing in enhancing global happiness, emphasizing the benefits of benevolent behavior both for recipients and those extending care.
Key Global Rankings and Trends
For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has maintained its position as the world’s happiest country, underscoring the stability of Nordic nations in overall well-being. Meanwhile, Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) have made their debut in the top 10 rankings, showcasing the rising happiness levels in Latin America. The United States (24th) has recorded its lowest-ever position, while the United Kingdom (23rd) has reported its lowest average life evaluation since 2017.
In South Asia, India ranks 118th, positioned below Nepal (92nd) and Pakistan (109th). Despite the ongoing conflict, Israel ranks 8th, while Palestine stands at 108th. Ukraine and Russia are positioned at 111th and 66th, respectively.
Determinants of Happiness
The World Happiness Report 2025 evaluates happiness based on multiple parameters, including life evaluation, social support, GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Additionally, the study incorporates an analysis of positive and negative emotions as well as the impact of prosocial behavior.
Findings indicate that shared meals significantly contribute to well-being across all global regions. However, in the United States, the number of people dining alone has risen by 53% over the past two decades, potentially impacting social connectedness. Similarly, household size plays a crucial role in happiness levels, with families comprising four to five members reporting the highest well-being in Mexico and Europe.
Prosocial Behavior and Social Connectivity
Despite a return to pre-pandemic behavior levels, benevolent acts—including donations, volunteering, and assisting strangers—remain 10% higher than in 2017–2019. This increase has been linked to a decline in deaths of despair worldwide. Statistical analyses reveal that a 10 percentage-point rise in prosocial behavior correlates with approximately one fewer death per year per 100,000 people.
The report also underscores the importance of social connections, particularly for young adults, in mitigating stress-related adversities. However, social isolation remains a growing concern, with 19% of young adults worldwide reporting a lack of reliable social support in 2023—a 39% increase since 2006.
Declining Deaths of Despair
Deaths of despair—suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related fatalities—have declined in 75% of the 59 surveyed countries since 2000. The most notable decrease has been observed in northeastern Europe, which had previously recorded high mortality rates in this category. Nevertheless, deaths of despair remain alarmingly high in certain nations, including the United States and the Republic of Korea.
Conclusion
Summarizing the report’s findings, Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, remarked: “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth—it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back. This year’s report proves we underestimate how kind the world really is. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
As the global community continues to navigate economic, social, and geopolitical challenges, fostering trust, social bonds, and generosity remains imperative in the pursuit of sustained happiness and well-being.
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