The World Happiness Report 2025

Source:  HT

Context: The World Happiness Report 2025 was released recently, ranking countries based on happiness levels.

• India ranked 118th out of 147 countries, while Finland topped the list for the eighth consecutive year.

About World Happiness Report 2025:

• What it is:

• • An annual global report that ranks countries based on life satisfaction and happiness levels of their citizens.
  • It reflects how people evaluate their quality of life, using statistical data and public perception.

• Report released by:

• • Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford.
  • Released in collaboration with Gallup, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board.

• Criteria Used for Ranking:
  • The report uses six key indicators:

• • • GDP per capita – economic strength of a country.
    • Healthy life expectancy – average life span in good health.
    • Social support – availability of help from family or friends.
    • Freedom – perceived freedom to make life choices.
    • Generosity – willingness of people to help others.
    • Perception of corruption – trust in public institutions.

• Aim of the Report:

• • To measure global well-being and contentment.
  • To promote policy focus on mental health, social trust, and quality of life beyond just economic growth.

• Key Summary of Report:
• Trends in Global Happiness

• • • Western and Nordic countries continue to dominate top ranks.
    • New entries into the top 10 include Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th).
    • The United States and United Kingdom dropped to 24th and 23rd positions respectively due to rising loneliness and discontent.
• Global Ranking – Top 3 Nations: Finland (Topper – 1^st), Denmark (2^nd) and Iceland (3^rd).
• Bottom 3 Nations: Afghanistan (147^th), Sierra Leone, and Lebanon.
• India’s Ranking and Statistics:

• • India ranked 118th out of 147 countries.
  • Score improved from 4.054 (2021-23) to 4.389 (2022-24).
    • Ranked below Pakistan (109) and Nepal (92).
  • Strength: High social support due to family structures and community bonds.
  • Weakness: Lowest score in perceived freedom, showing limited individual choice satisfaction.