World Happiness Index 2025: Finland Tops Again, India Rises to 118th Rank

Finland has once again topped the list of the world’s happiest countries for the eighth consecutive year. With an average happiness score of 7.7 out of 10, Finland is significantly above the global average of 5.6. In the ranking of 147 countries, India secured the 118th position, improving by eight spots from last year’s 126th position. Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Center released the World Happiness Report 2025, in which Pakistan ranked 109th.

According to the report, happiness is not solely determined by economic development but also by social trust and community connections. The rankings are based on people’s responses when asked to rate their lives. This study was conducted in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

United States Falls to Its Lowest Rank Ever

• Factors Affecting Happiness: The report highlights that sharing meals with others, having someone to rely on for social support, and family size impact happiness levels. For instance, families of four to five members in Mexico and Europe report the highest happiness levels.
• Declining Social Support: Nearly one in five young adults worldwide lacks social support. In 2023, 19% of global youth reported having no one to rely on for social support, which is 39% higher than in 2006.

European Countries Dominate the Top 20 Rankings

European nations dominate the top 20 rankings, though there are some exceptions. Despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel ranks 8th. Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking 6th and 10th, respectively.

The United States dropped to 24th place, its lowest ranking so far. In contrast, it was ranked 11th in 2012. The United Kingdom is ranked 23rd.

Happiest Countries (Top 4)

Least Happy Countries (Bottom 4)