The World Happiness Report 2025, published on March 20 by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks India 118th out of 147 countries. This marks a decline from its peak position of 94th in 2022.
Key Highlights:
- Top Ranking: Finland has been declared the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year.
- Bottom Ranking: Afghanistan is the unhappiest country, with a score of 1.364.
- United States: The U.S. has fallen to its lowest-ever position at 24th place, with increasing rates of people dining alone noted as a contributing factor.
Factors Considered: The report evaluates six key factors influencing happiness:
- Social support
- GDP per capita
- Healthy life expectancy
- Freedom to make life choices
- Generosity
- Perceptions of corruption
These factors collectively contribute to the overall happiness scores of each country.
Global Observations:
- The 2025 report emphasizes the impact of caring and sharing on people’s happiness. It notes that acts of benevolence not only benefit recipients but also enhance the well-being of those who perform them
