The World Happiness Report has been released, reaffirming Finland’s position as the happiest country for seven consecutive years. This year’s report introduces age-specific rankings, revealing a concerning decline in life satisfaction among young people in North America, pushing the United States out of the top 20 rankings. However, other nations, particularly in Eastern Europe, saw significant gains in happiness, influencing overall rankings.

Finland’s consistent happiness is attributed to various social factors, including high levels of social support, quality healthcare and education, and a sense of equality. The report evaluates countries based on six key variables, including GDP per capita, social support, and perceptions of corruption. Nordic neighbors Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden also ranked high, alongside Norway and surprisingly, Israel, despite its ongoing conflicts.

The report’s findings shed light on disparities between age groups, with happiness scores notably lower among young people in the United States and Canada compared to older demographics. This decline is attributed to factors beyond income or education, suggesting a mood-related issue possibly influenced by negative news consumption.

Despite these challenges, there are positive trends among young people globally, including increased benevolence during the pandemic. While youth wellbeing declined in certain regions, overall satisfaction remained stable, offering hope for the future. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the nuanced factors influencing happiness to foster better societal outcomes worldwide.

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.