World Happiness Report 2025

The World Happiness Report 2025, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, emphasizes the profound impact of caring and sharing on global happiness. The report highlights that acts of kindness not only benefit recipients but also enhance the well-being of those who perform them.

Key Insights:

• Global Benevolence: The “benevolence bump” observed during the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted, with acts of kindness remaining over 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
• Social Connections: Engaging in shared activities, such as communal meals, significantly boosts happiness and strengthens social bonds.
• Trust and Happiness: A strong correlation exists between societal trust and happiness levels. Countries where individuals trust strangers tend to rank higher in happiness.

Country Rankings:

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country globally, followed by other Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The United States has fallen to its lowest-ever position at 24th place, with factors such as increased rates of people dining alone contributing to this decline.

The report underscores the importance of fostering social connections, trust, and benevolence to enhance individual and collective well-being worldwide.