For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been recognized as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. This achievement is often attributed to the nation’s picturesque lakes and robust welfare system, which significantly enhance the overall mood of its citizens.
Moving forward in the rankings, Ireland has climbed to 15th place, up from 17th in 2023, demonstrating an upward trend in its citizens’ happiness.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to hold the unfortunate title of the unhappiest country globally, amidst a humanitarian crisis since the Taliban regained control in 2020.
The Nordic countries remain consistently represented among the top ten happiest nations, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden closely following Finland, which has slightly expanded its lead over Denmark.
On the other hand, the United States has slipped to 24th place, now one position below the United Kingdom. This marks the lowest ranking for the US since the report’s inception in 2012, when it peaked at 11th place.
The report highlights a concerning trend: “The number of people dining alone in the United States has increased by 53% over the past twenty years.” The authors pointed out that shared meals are “strongly linked with well-being.” Alarmingly, approximately one in four Americans reported eating all their meals alone just the previous day.
In a notable shift, Mexico has entered the top ten happiness rankings for the first time.
“The rise in solo dining is contributing to a decline in well-being in the United States,” the report indicates. Importantly, the US is one of the few nations currently experiencing an increase in “deaths of despair,” related to suicide and substance abuse, while most other countries are witnessing a decline in these tragedies.
This report is based on surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024, prior to significant changes in the US political landscape sparked by the return of former President Donald Trump to the White House in January.
The happiness rankings are derived from a three-year average of self-reported evaluations of life satisfaction, alongside factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
According to Frank Martela, an assistant professor specializing in well-being at Aalto University, “Finnish people seem to be relatively satisfied with their lives.” He attributes this satisfaction to Finland’s “well-functioning society,” where democracy flourishes, free elections are held, and corruption is minimal. “These elements have shown to predict higher levels of national well-being,” he notes.
Moreover, the Nordic countries boast strong welfare systems, including parental leave, unemployment benefits, and mostly universal healthcare, all of which contribute to a higher average level of well-being.
Eveliina Ylitolonen, a 23-year-old student in Helsinki, echoes this sentiment, stating that the Finns’ deep connection with nature plays a crucial role in their happiness. “Nature is an important part of this happiness,” she explains.
Jamie Sarja-Lambert, a professional video gamer who relocated to Finland from the UK, concurs: “It feels like everyone is more in touch with nature, spending time outdoors, socializing, fostering a sense of community.”
This year’s report also brings to light new evidence suggesting that acts of generosity and belief in the kindness of others are “significant predictors of happiness, often more impactful than income levels.” Surprisingly, the authors observed that “people tend to be overly pessimistic about the kindness within their communities,” noting that “the return rate of lost wallets is significantly higher than they expect.” Furthermore, Nordic nations are among the top places for both expected and actual returns of lost wallets.
As we reflect on these findings, it’s clear that fostering connections—whether through nature, community, or acts of kindness—can significantly enhance our sense of happiness and well-being.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
