Finland world’s ‘happiest’ nation again, India improves to 118

India's Rank: India ranked 118th in the World Happiness Report 2025, improving from 126th in the previous year. However, it still ranks below Nepal, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Palestine.

Top 5 Happiest Countries:

  • Finland (for the 8th consecutive year)
  • Denmark
  • Iceland
  • Sweden
  • Netherlands

Bottom 5 Countries:

  • 147. Afghanistan (unhappiest country)
  • 146. Lebanon
  • 145. Lesotho
  • 144. Sierra Leone
  • 143. Zimbabwe

Ranking Basis: The ranking is based on self-assessed life evaluations from 2022-2024, compiled by Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, Gallup, and UN.

Other Notable Rankings:

  • UK: 23rd
  • US: 24th
  • China: 68th
  • Palestine: 108th
  • Ukraine: 111th

India’s Benevolence Rankings:

  • 57th in donations
  • 10th in volunteering
  • 74th in helping a stranger
  • Ranked lower in welfare return from neighbor (115), stranger (86), and police (93).

Additional Notes:

Bhutan’s Impact on Happiness Research: Bhutan's focus on Gross National Happiness inspired the UN’s International Day of Happiness (March 20) and the World Happiness Report (since 2012).

Key Happiness Factors: Health, wealth, social support, and community activities such as sharing meals and helping others contribute significantly to happiness.