What's happened
The World Happiness Report 2025 reveals a decline in happiness rankings for the US and Australia, with the US at a record low of 24th. Finland retains the top spot for the eighth consecutive year, while the report highlights the importance of social connections and shared meals in enhancing well-being.
What's behind the headline?
Key Findings
- Declining Happiness in the US and Australia: The US has dropped to 24th place, its lowest ranking since the report began, while Australia fell to 11th. This reflects a broader trend of decreasing happiness in Western industrialized nations.
- Impact of Social Connections: The report emphasizes that sharing meals and having social support are critical for well-being. In the US, over 25% of young adults reported eating all meals alone, contributing to feelings of isolation.
- Global Trends: Nordic countries continue to dominate the happiness rankings, with Finland, Denmark, and Iceland leading. In contrast, countries like Afghanistan remain at the bottom, highlighting stark global disparities in happiness.
- Cultural Factors: The report suggests that larger household sizes and community bonds in countries like Mexico and Costa Rica contribute positively to happiness, despite lower overall wealth.
Implications
The findings suggest that fostering social connections and community engagement could be vital for improving happiness levels, particularly in countries experiencing rising loneliness and social isolation. Policymakers and community leaders should prioritize initiatives that encourage shared experiences and social support networks.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Australia has dropped out of the top 10 happiest countries, now ranking 11th, while Finland retains its top position for the eighth year. The report highlights the importance of social connections, stating, "Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back" (The Independent).
Business Insider UK notes that the US's decline in happiness is largely attributed to a rise in loneliness, with 25% of young adults eating all their meals alone. This trend is echoed in The Times of Israel, which emphasizes the correlation between social support and happiness, stating, "Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back" (Al Jazeera).
Politico highlights that the report indicates a growing unhappiness in Western industrialized countries, linking it to political polarization and social trust issues. The report's findings suggest that addressing these social dynamics could be crucial for improving overall happiness levels.
How we got here
The World Happiness Report, published annually, assesses global happiness based on self-reported life evaluations. This year's report, released on March 20, 2025, indicates a worrying trend of declining happiness in several countries, particularly among younger populations.
Go deeper
- What factors influence happiness according to the report?
- How does the US compare to other countries in happiness?
- What can be done to improve happiness levels?
Common question
-
Why Did Australia and the US Drop in the Global Happiness Rankings?
The latest Global Happiness Rankings reveal significant drops for Australia and the US, raising questions about the factors influencing happiness in these countries. Understanding these shifts can provide insights into the broader implications of social connections, trust, and cultural factors on national well-being.
-
How Do Happiness Rankings Influence Government Policies?
Happiness rankings are more than just numbers; they can significantly influence national policies and priorities. As countries strive to improve their standings, they often implement changes that reflect the values of social connection and mental well-being. This raises further questions about the impact of these rankings on tourism, investment, and overall societal health.
-
Why is the US Happiness Ranking Declining?
The World Happiness Report 2025 has sparked discussions about the declining happiness rankings in the US and other countries. With the US now at a record low of 24th place, many are left wondering what factors contribute to this trend and how it compares to other nations. Below, we explore key questions surrounding global happiness and well-being.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The World Happiness Report is a publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It contains articles and rankings of national happiness, based on respondent ratings of their own lives, which the report also correlates with var
-
Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, Norway to the north, and is defined by the Gulf of Bothnia to the west, and the Gulf of Finland of the
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second-oldest university in continuous operation
-
Gallup may refer to:
Gallup, Inc., a firm founded by George Gallup, well known for its opinion poll
Gallup (surname), a surname
Gallup, New Mexico, a city in New Mexico, United States
Gallup station, an Amtrak train in downtown Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup.
-
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
-
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
-
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Isla
-
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.
-
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
