Finland Tops World Happiness Report for Eighth Consecutive Year

oxford - Finland remains the happiest country worldwide. Netherlands rises to 5th, while the US drops to 24th. Check the top 10 happiest countries.

Finland Retains Top Spot in World Happiness Rankings

Finland has been named the happiest country globally for the eighth year in a row. The World Happiness Report, released by the UN on the International Day of Happiness, is based on a study from the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. People rate their own lives on a scale of 0-10.

Experts attribute Finland's success to factors such as abundant access to nature and a robust social security system. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden follow Finland in the rankings.

Costa Rica and Mexico enter the top 10 for the first time, with shared meals correlating with well-being globally. Family ties in Latin American countries contribute to their rise in the rankings.

Despite being in conflict since October 7, 2023, Israel claims the 8th spot. The US and the UK drop to 24th and 23rd places, respectively, the lowest ever for the US. Decreased happiness and social trust in these countries explain the rise of political polarization.

Belgium ranks 14th, Germany 22nd, and the lowest positions go to Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and Lebanon.

Jeffrey D. Sachs, Chairman of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, emphasizes the role of trust, kindness, and social connections in happiness. Household size also influences happiness, with households of four to five people showing higher levels of happiness in Mexico and Europe.

Top 10 Happiest Countries:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Netherlands
6. Costa Rica
7. Norway
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Mexico