Finland Retains Title as Happiest Country Amid Rising U.S. Discontent in 2025 Happiness Report
The 2025 World Happiness Report confirms Finland's top ranking, while the U.S. has dropped to 24th amid issues like social isolation and political polarization.
Despite GDP per capita in the U.S. and Western Europe having continually risen since the mid-2000s, a drop in the happiness of Western democracies could be blamed on the feelings of financial insecurity and loneliness experienced by Americans and Europeans — two symptoms of a damaged social fabric.
Feeling bummed? You’re not alone, as the U.S. drops to a record low in happiness index
NBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The US fell to its lowest ranking in the 13-year history of the World Happiness Report this week.
The US dropped to its lowest-ever ranking in the global list of happiest countries to live
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Experts said the findings reinforce that happiness is rooted in trust, kindness and social connection — not just wealth.
Finland ranks as happiest country in the world, US drops on list
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Those factors add up to isolation and lack of social connections, which can affect your happiness.
Kindness will make you happier than a higher salary, report shows
CNN·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Israel ranked in 8th placed in the World Happiness Report 2025, down from 5th the year before, and continues to excel in social connections despite lower life expectancy and a drop in trust in government institutions.
Israel 8th Happiest Country Despite War
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The sense of social isolation in the US contrasts with countries like Mexico, which broke into the list of top 10 happiest countries this year.
Finland takes top spot, US gets lowest-ever rank in World Happiness Report
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Overall, researchers said global evidence on the perceived and actual return of lost wallets shows that people are much too pessimistic about the kindness of their communities compared to reality — actual rates of wallet return are around twice as high as people expect.
Finland is again ranked the happiest country in the world. The United States, not so much.
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The U.S. falls to its lowest-ever position in the happiness ranking.
U.S. Falls to Its Lowest-Ever Ranking in Latest World Happiness Report
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When it comes to decreasing happiness — or growing unhappiness —the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever position at 24, having previously peaked at 11th place in 2012.
Finland again ranked happiest country in the world. US falls to lowest-ever position
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The Nordic countries dominating this list shouldn't come as a surprise.
Finland is the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row
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The study, which gathered evidence from around the world, found belief in the kindness of others was more closely tied to happiness than previously thought.
Strangers twice as kind as we think, study suggests
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The United States is continuing its downward path on the global World Happiness Report, having dropped to a record low on the global rankings list.
US drops to record low in 2025 World Happiness Report: See global rankings
USA TODAY·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The United States has dropped to its lowest-ever position at 24, having previously peaked at 11th place in 2012.
Finland is again ranked the happiest country in the world. The US falls to its lowest-ever position
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Summary
Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world according to the 2025 World Happiness Report, marking its eighth consecutive year atop the rankings. Despite its geographical challenges, including a lengthy border with an at-war Russia and limited winter sunlight, Finland leads due to strong social bonds and robust welfare systems. The U.S. has plummeted to 24th place, the lowest in its history, reflecting escalating issues of social isolation, rising political polarization, and economic stress. In contrast, countries like Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top ten, demonstrating the significance of community ties and kindness in determining happiness.
Perspectives
Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, with Nordic countries dominating the top spots in the World Happiness Report 2025.
Key factors contributing to happiness include social connections, trust in others, and communal sharing, rather than just economic indicators.
The United States has dropped to its lowest-ever ranking at 24th, highlighting an increase in loneliness and declining social trust among its population.
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