Finland tops World Happiness Rankings for eighth consecutive year

Finland has once again claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report for the eighth consecutive year. Published on the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, the report ranks over 140 countries based on how their residents rate their quality of life. Finland received an impressive average score of 7.74 out of 10, signifying a high level of contentment among its citizens.

The World Happiness Report, which considers factors like GDP per capita, life expectancy, and wealth distribution, also places emphasis on social trust and community connection. Finland’s success is attributed to its strong sense of social support, wealth equality, and deep connection to nature. While Finns are not typically seen as outwardly joyous or exuberant, they are remarkably content with their lives, according to Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, a professor of economics at the University of Oxford and editor of the report.

“Their well-being comes from being healthy, wealthy, and well-supported socially,” De Neve says. “They’re not happy in a loud, joyful way, but their contentment is evident in their life satisfaction.”

Following Finland in the rankings are Denmark (No. 2), Iceland (No. 3), Sweden (No. 4), and the Netherlands (No. 5), all of which are Nordic countries. These nations, which consistently dominate the top positions, are seeing increases in happiness levels, fueled by a combination of economic equality and a focus on social well-being. In contrast, the United States, despite its economic wealth, has seen a decline in its rankings. Dropping to No. 24 this year, the U.S. has been gradually slipping, and its drop out of the top 20 last year marked a historical low.

De Neve attributes this disparity to the differences in wealth distribution. In Nordic countries, economic prosperity tends to benefit everyone, resulting in less inequality and higher levels of happiness. Conversely, in the U.S., wealth distribution is more uneven, with significant gaps between the wealthiest and the poorest.

The report also highlighted the importance of social trust in shaping happiness. People who believe in the kindness of others tend to rate their well-being higher. In Nordic countries, there is a strong belief that lost wallets will be returned, and this sense of trust plays a critical role in fostering collective happiness. The report notes that in the U.S., trust in others tends to be lower, which can impact well-being.

Meanwhile, Mexico and Costa Rica made history by entering the top 10 for the first time.