The US hasn’t felt too happy these days. Since 2012, the US mood has been declining, sliding from the 11th to the 24th in the global rankings, according to Gallup’s 2025 World Happiness Report.
Finland has held its top position for the eighth consecutive year. Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands round out the top five of the happiest countries.
Based on the average population ratings of quality of life from 2022 to 2024, this year’s research data ranks in 147 countries based on their level of happiness. The rankings are based primarily on data from the Wellbee Ingrise Search Centre and Gallup World Polling at Oxford University, and ask respondents to assess their current level of well-being.
Which countries are you satisfied enough to make it into the top 20?
When the US collapsed on the 24th, Mexico and Costa Rico jumped into the top ten for the first time since the introduction of the 2012 report.
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We drop in the world’s happiness report
Research shows that “increased political polarization and voting for the “system”” were the factors that caused the US and other European countries to fall into the rankings.
The author reports that “the national evolution of happiness and trust is highly associated with an increased likelihood of voting for the anti-systems party in Western Europe and the United States.”
Individual lifestyle assessments are particularly poor in countries such as Afghanistan and continue with overall happiness.
In the 2025 report, Afghanistan’s happiness score was 1.36 out of 10. Afghanistan has been at the bottom of the world’s happiness report for six consecutive years.
How America compares happiness
The report also found that the number of single households has increased over the past 20 years, resulting in a 53% increase in the number of people eating alone, leading to loneliness. Research shows that eating with others is strongly associated with happiness.
What enhances the happiness of the country?
The report shows several factors linked to overall well-being, from sharing food to income and employment status.
The report shows that households of 4-5 people typically enjoy the highest level of happiness in Mexico and Europe, but many people in Europe live their own lives. Researchers also suggest that social connections are essential for young adults to avoid the toxic effects of stress.
The report suggests that countries where acts of generosity and kindness are frequently carried out often reduce despair-related deaths, such as suicide and drug overdose.
Anthony Robeldo’s contribution
