World Happiness Report: US Drops To 24, India At 118

India-West News Desk

The United States has hit its lowest ranking ever in the annual World Happiness Report, placing 24th in 2025. Meanwhile, India has made a slight improvement, moving up from 126th in 2024 to 118th. Released on the UN’s International Day of Happiness, the report evaluates happiness in 147 countries based on social support, health, freedom, generosity, perception of corruption, and GDP.

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked the happiest country, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Finland’s high ranking is linked to its strong social support systems, high standard of living, and work-life balance.

Mexico and Costa Rica made their top 10 debuts, ranking 10th and 6th, respectively. Researchers suggest that strong family ties and larger household sizes in Latin America contribute significantly to overall happiness.

AMERICA

The U.S. ranking has steadily declined since peaking at 11th place in 2012. Experts attribute this drop to growing social isolation—data shows one in four Americans ate all their meals alone in 2023, a 53% increase since 2003. Political polarization and declining trust in institutions have also contributed to lower happiness levels.

The report highlights that happiness isn’t just about economic prosperity but also about strong social connections and trust. “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth—it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back,” said Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, which provides data for the rankings.

INDIA

India’s ranking at 118 marks progress, yet it still lags behind even several conflict-affected nations such as Ukraine, Mozambique, and Iraq. India’s neighbors did better: Nepal ranked highest at 92, followed by Pakistan at 109 and China at 68. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ranked lower at 133 and 134, respectively.

India scored well in social support, thanks to strong family and community bonds, but performed poorly on personal freedom, which measures individuals perceived ability to make life choices.

WALLET AND TRUST

The report highlighted a global trust study, in which researchers conducted a “dropped wallet” experiment. Findings showed that people often underestimate the kindness of strangers—more lost wallets were returned than expected. Nordic nations, including Finland, Denmark, and Sweden, ranked among the highest in both expected and actual wallet returns.

AFGHANISTAN UNHAPPIEST

Afghanistan continues to rank as the least happy country, mainly due to ongoing social and economic hardships, particularly affecting women. Sierra Leone and Lebanon followed as the second and third unhappiest nations.

The report was published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University.