WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT
The World Happiness Report reviews the state of happiness in the world today and shows how the latest science explains national variations in happiness.
Headlines From 2025
The happiest countries are in Northern Europe, with Finland top followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Netherlands.
Belief in the kindness of others is much more closely tied to happiness than previously thought.
People significantly underestimate the kindness of their communities compared to reality.
Sharing meals with others is closely linked with great happiness as is living with others in a household rather than alone.
Deaths of despair are less frequent in countries where benevolent acts are more frequent.
Declining happiness and social trust combine to explain the rise and direction of political polarisation and extremism.
Top 25 Happiest Countries
2025 QUOTES
“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”
“The good news is that people are actually a lot kinder and more trustworthy than we think they are.”
“Human happiness is driven by our relationships with others. Investing in positive social connections and engaging in benevolent actions are both matched by greater happiness.”
“People are much happier living where they think people care about each other.”
“Sharing meals and trusting others are even stronger predictors of wellbeing than expected.”
ABOUT THE REPORT
The World Happiness Report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board. The report is produced under the editorial control of the WHR Editorial Board.
Research support is provided from the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University; the Centre for Economic Performance at the LSE; the Vancouver School of Economics at the University of British Columbia; and the Helping and Happiness Lab at Simon Fraser University. The editorial team includes three founding editors, John F. Helliwell, Richard Layard, and Jeffrey D. Sachs, and editors Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Lara B. Aknin, and Shun Wang.
Find out more about this year's report at http://worldhappiness.report