International Day of Happiness: A Celebration of Human Flourishing- 10 Happiest Countries

A smiling Finnish family dressed in warm winter clothing, holding Finnish flags in an outdoor snowy setting, with a Finland flag in the background. The joyful atmosphere reflects Finland’s status as the happiest country in the world.
A Finnish family embraces happiness and togetherness in a winter celebration, proudly waving their national flags. As Finland continues to rank as the happiest country in the world, their strong sense of community, trust, and well-being shines through.

International Day of Happiness: A Celebration of Human Flourishing

Happiness is a universal aspiration, an emotional compass that guides individuals and societies toward fulfillment.

But how do we measure happiness, and why does it matter? The International Day of Happiness, celebrated annually on March 20, was established by the United Nations  to recognize the importance of happiness as a fundamental human goal.

It serves as a reminder that economic success alone does not equate to a thriving society; rather, factors such as social support, freedom, and overall well-being are crucial determinants of a nation’s collective joy. 

While happiness is inherently subjective, scientific measurements—like those in the World Happiness Report—offer valuable insights into the conditions that foster happiness across different cultures.

The latest 2025 report provides a deep dive into global happiness rankings, painting a picture of how nations compare in terms of well-being. 

This article will explore the background of the International Day of Happiness, followed by an in-depth analysis of the happiest and least happy countries in 2025, accompanied by peace and happiness scores. 

Background: Why Happiness Matters

The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/281 in 2012, proclaiming March 20 as the International Day of Happiness. This initiative was inspired by the Kingdom of Bhutan, a country that famously prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Bhutan’s approach underscored the need to redefine progress, emphasizing mental well-being, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. 

Happiness is more than just a fleeting emotion; it is deeply tied to public policy, governance, and economic structures. Research consistently shows that people living in happier countries enjoy: 

Better mental and physical health

Stronger social connections 

Higher productivity and creativity 

Lower crime rates and social unrest 

The World Happiness Report, an annual publication by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), ranks countries based on self-reported life evaluations. This ranking is determined by six key factors: 

1. GDP per capita – Economic stability and access to resources 

2. Social support – Strong community and personal networks 

3. Healthy life expectancy – Physical well-being and longevity 

4. Freedom to make life choices – Political and social liberties 

5. Generosity – Charitable giving and community trust 

6. Perception of corruption – Trust in institutions and governance 

The Science Behind Happiness

The Cantril Ladder—a simple yet effective happiness measurement tool—asks respondents to rate their life satisfaction on a 0 to 10 scale. This scale provides a quantitative assessment of subjective well-being, enabling researchers to compare happiness across nations. 

Top 10 Happiest Countries in 2025

The Nordic nations continue to dominate the happiness rankings, with Finland securing the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden also rank among the happiest, thanks to their strong social welfare systems, low corruption, and high trust levels. 

Rank

Countries

Happiness score (0-10 scale)

1

Finland

7.8

2

Denmark

7,6

3

Iceland

7.5

4

Sweden

7.4

5

Netherlands

7.3

6

Costa Rica

7.2

7

Norway

7.1

8

Israel

7.0

9

Luxembourg

6.9

10

Mexico

6.8

 

Key Insights: 

Finland remains the happiest country due to high social trust and a strong public welfare system. 

Costa Rica is the only non-Western country in the top 10, highlighting the role of community cohesion and environmental sustainability in happiness. 

Mexico’s presence suggests that strong family bonds and cultural vibrancy can outweigh economic challenges in determining well-being. 

10 Least Happy Countries in 2025

On the other end of the spectrum, countries plagued by conflict, economic instability, and weak governance continue to report low happiness scores. Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Venezuela rank as the least happy nations, reflecting their socioeconomic struggles. 

Rank

Countries

Happiness score (0-10 scale)

1

Afghanistan (least happy)

1.36

2

Lebanon

2.1

3

Jordan

2.4

4

Malawi

2.6

5

Venezuela

2.7

6

Egypt

2.8

7

Botswana

2.9

8

Zambia

3.0

9

Ethiopia

3.1

10

Sri Lanks

3.2

 

Key Insights:

Afghanistan has the lowest happiness score ever recorded at 1.36, primarily due to political instability, conflict, and human rights violations. 

Lebanon and Venezuela have seen drastic declines in happiness due to economic collapse, hyperinflation, and political corruption. 

Many African nations (Malawi, Zambia, Ethiopia) rank low due to poverty, inadequate healthcare, and lack of infrastructure. 

How Can Nations Improve Happiness?

The happiness gap between the top and bottom-ranked countries is staggering—over six full points on a 10-point scale. However, research suggests that nations can enhance happiness by focusing on: 

Economic Stability – A strong economy provides jobs, healthcare, and social security. 

Social Trust– Transparency in governance and low corruption levels foster happiness. 

Mental & Physical Health – Investing in public healthcare and education improves well-being. 

Work-Life Balance – Nordic countries excel in this area, proving its importance for happiness. 

Environmental SustainabilityCosta Rica’s success highlights the link between happiness and ecological preservation. 

Conclusion: A Global Call for Happiness

The International Day of Happiness is more than just a celebration—it is a call to action for governments, institutions, and individuals to prioritize human well-being. While economic growth is essential, happiness stems from social trust, freedom, and a supportive environment. 

As we reflect on the state of happiness worldwide, one thing remains clear: happiness is not a privilege but a human right. By fostering communities built on compassion, equity, and resilience, nations can pave the way toward a happier, more harmonious future. 

What does happiness mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Jessica Islam

Doing the right things by the right living with the right people in the right manner.

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