Finland Claims World's Happiest Nation Title for 8th Consecutive Year, India Ranks 118th
Finland has secured its position as the world's happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the World Happiness Report 2025. The report, released on International Day of Happiness (March 20), evaluates 147 countries based on citizen surveys and social factors including social support, freedom, generosity, income, and health.
Reindeer sledding in Finnish forest
Nordic countries continue to dominate the top rankings, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden following Finland. These nations excel due to their quality healthcare, robust social support systems, economic stability, and strong connection with nature.
Nordic flags flying against blue sky
India has improved its position from 126th to 118th place, though still remaining outside the top 100. Despite ranking lower overall, India shows strength in specific areas:
- 57th for charitable donations
- 10th for volunteering
- 74th for helping strangers
- 115th for wallet return honesty
Smiling Finnish children in group
Key happiness factors identified in the report include:
- Strong social support networks
- Active community engagement
- Trust in community
- Optimal household size (4-5 members)
Smiling Finnish people celebrating together
Notable rankings include:
- Israel (8th) despite regional conflicts
- Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) as new top-10 entrants
- United States dropped to 24th place
- Afghanistan (147th), Sierra Leone (146th), and Lebanon (145th) rank lowest
Crowd waves flags in Finland crowd
The report emphasizes that happiness extends beyond wealth and health, highlighting the importance of social connections and community trust. While India shows progress in areas like volunteering and generosity, there remains significant room for improvement in overall happiness metrics through enhanced social policies and community engagement initiatives.