Discover the Happiest Nations of 2024

The latest World Happiness Report has been released, and as expected, the Nordic countries are once again leading the pack in happiness. Finland, in particular, has maintained its position as the happiest country for seven consecutive years.

In a new addition to this year's report, separate rankings by age group have been included. Unfortunately, the findings reveal concerning levels of life satisfaction among young people in certain regions of the world.

Happiness levels among young people in North America have decreased significantly, causing them to be less happy than older individuals. This decline in happiness has led to the United States falling out of the top 20 on the overall happiness list for the first time since the report's initial publication in 2012.

However, the drop in rankings for the US and other countries can also be attributed to the fact that some nations, particularly in Eastern Europe, have experienced notable increases in happiness.

The happiest countries

Finland is once again the world’s happiest country.

According to the yearly report released in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Happiness on March 20, global survey data from over 140 countries is used to rank countries based on their average life evaluations from 2021 to 2023. The report is a collaboration between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an editorial board.

Finland is the world's happiest country for the seventh year in a row. Helsinki is pictured.

Finland is the world's happiest country for the seventh year in a row. Helsinki is pictured.

Finland, a country known for its cool weather and stunning natural phenomena like the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, has discovered the key to creating ideal social conditions for happiness.

The survey requires participants to rate their overall life satisfaction, taking into account their values, according to John Helliwell, emeritus professor of economics at the Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, and a founding editor of the World Happiness Report.

Helliwell pointed out that Finland excels in areas such as returning lost wallets, community support, high-quality healthcare, and education opportunities available to all. This results in a level playing field for everyone, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Finland has happy immigrants, and they are willing to share their happiness with newcomers.

The report examines six important factors that contribute to life evaluations: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

Finland’s Nordic neighbors Denmark (No. 2), Iceland (No. 3), and Sweden (No. 4) all received consistently high scores, with Norway (No. 7) also comfortably in the top 10.

Israel, despite the recent conflict with Hamas, may surprise some by ranking at No. 5. However, the country has consistently been in the top 10 since 2022. The report’s authors note that rankings are based on a three-year average, which helps to balance out the impact of major events occurring in a single year.

Timing is important when conducting a survey, especially during a crisis. In Israel, the survey took place after the Hamas attack on October 7, but before the subsequent warfare. Despite a significant drop in life evaluations, these scores only made up a third of the average.

The report, which heavily relies on the Gallup World Poll, also ranks Palestine at No. 103, even though its statehood is not widely acknowledged. The poll was carried out in the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank before the events of October 7.

The Netherlands (No. 6), Luxembourg (No. 8), Switzerland (No. 9) and Australia (No. 10) round out the top 10.

The United States drops out of the top 20

The United States (No. 23) and Germany (No. 24) fell out of the top 20 rankings due to increased happiness in other countries, particularly Czechia (No. 18), Lithuania (No. 19), and Slovenia (No. 21). The United Kingdom held the 20th spot.

Despite Lithuania's overall ranking of 19th this year, it was considered the happiest country in 2024 among respondents under 30. However, for those over 60, Lithuania was ranked at No. 44.

In the United States and Canada, younger people reported lower happiness scores compared to those aged 60 and above. The US ranked at No. 62 for individuals under 30, while it was No. 10 for those 60 and older. Similarly, Canada was No. 58 among the younger population and No. 8 for those 60 and older.

Australia and New Zealand also had lower happiness rankings among young people, although to a lesser extent.

The United States dropped out of the top 20 in 2024, in part because of low scores among young people. San Francisco is pictured.

The United States dropped out of the top 20 in 2024, in part because of low scores among young people. San Francisco is pictured.

Liu Guanguan/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images

Helliwell said the low scores among the young in those countries aren’t a matter of less education or lower income or more ill health.

According to Helliwell, the drop in happiness among young people in primarily English-speaking nations is linked to the information they are exposed to. He believes that the news they consume may be contributing to their unhappiness.

But there is some good news for young people. According to a report, globally, young people aged 15-24 have seen an increase in life satisfaction from 2006 to 2019. Since then, their life satisfaction has remained stable. However, the situation differs by region. Youth wellbeing has decreased in North America, Western Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia. On the other hand, it has improved in the rest of the world.

Young people have shown a significant increase in kindness during the pandemic, which has been noted among all age groups. This surge in benevolence has been especially strong among young individuals, according to Helliwell, and it continues to persist.

This is a positive development as it indicates that despite facing challenges in certain countries, young people are still willing and able to participate in acts of kindness towards others. This gives a hopeful outlook for the future.

World’s 20 happiest countries in 2024

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Israel

6. Netherlands

7. Norway

8. Luxembourg

9. Switzerland

10. Australia

11. New Zealand

12. Costa Rica

13. Kuwait

14. Austria

15. Canada

16. Belgium

17. Ireland

18. Czechia

19. Lithuania

20. United Kingdom

At the bottom of the list

Afghanistan remains the world’s lowest-ranked country for happiness. Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone and Congo also ranked at the bottom.

Editor's P/S:

The World Happiness Report paints a complex picture of global well-being. While Nordic countries continue to dominate the top ranks, the report raises concerns about declining happiness levels among young people in certain regions, particularly North America. This decline is attributed to factors such as exposure to negative news and social media, which can foster a sense of pessimism and isolation.

However, the report also highlights positive trends, such as an overall increase in kindness and generosity among young people during the pandemic. This suggests that despite challenges, young people remain resilient and willing to connect with others. It is crucial to address the factors contributing to low happiness among young people to create a more equitable and fulfilling future for all generations. to create a more positive and fulfilling environment for them. By fostering a supportive and empowering society, we can ensure that the happiness and well-being of all citizens, regardless of age, are prioritized and nurtured.