The Netherlands has once again secured a spot among the world’s happiest countries, ranking fifth in the newly released World Happiness Report by the United Nations. This year’s report highlights a notable decline in happiness levels among residents of many Western nations, contrasting sharply with their consistently high scores in previous years.
For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, achieving a score of 7.736. It is followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, which form the top four of this year's rankings. The Netherlands, which scores 7.306, finds itself in the fifth position, although it marks the lowest score recorded for the nation since these surveys began in 2012.
The ongoing decline in happiness among Western nations has been a significant focus for researchers. Since 2012, fifteen Western countries have shown a considerable decrease in happiness, with a loss of 0.17 percentage points or more, signaling a worrying trend. The United States, in particular, has been impacted dramatically, landing at 24th place this year—its worst score ever.
Interestingly, the report also indicates that Costa Rica and Mexico have made impressive strides by entering the top ten, now ranking sixth and tenth respectively. Belgium, another notable participant, has climbed from 16th to 14th position, achieving its best score ever. In contrast, countries like Germany and France fall behind, ranked 22nd and 33rd respectively.
The happiness survey, conducted over a period reflecting data from 2022 to 2024, employs several measures to assess happiness. According to the research, factors such as social support, income, healthy life expectancy, personal freedom, and levels of corruption play crucial roles in influencing how populations perceive their happiness.
One of the more compelling findings relates to the perception of kindness among people. The report reveals a strong correlation between people's belief in the competence of their neighbors to return lost items, such as wallets, and overall happiness. For instance, findings suggest that people in Scandinavian countries not only expect their lost wallets to be returned, but indeed see this happen at much higher rates than anticipated.
Jeffrey Sachs, one of the editors of the report, emphasizes that “happiness is rooted in trust, kindness, and social connections.” This assertion points towards the underlying social structures that bolster happiness, suggesting that vibrant communal relationships can elevate levels of life satisfaction.
Lara Aknin, another editor, highlighted that sharing meals with others positively impacts one’s well-being across the globe, reinforcing the idea that our relationships with others drive human happiness. This sense of connectivity and community is significant, particularly as the report notes rising dissatisfaction can contribute to shifts toward populism in various western democracies.
Indeed, the report warns that dissatisfaction among citizens can lead to significant political consequences, drawing individuals towards both left and right extremes in search of answers. The findings suggest that political extremism finds fertile ground in communities where residents lack social trust and feel isolated—which may be coloring electoral outcomes in nations like France and Germany.
Galvanizing communities to foster deeper connections appears to be a remedy for this malaise, as noted by experts who recommend investing in social relations. Jon Clifton from Gallup emphasized that building a supportive community may require investment in social networks and encouragement to partake in altruistic behaviors. “To create a better community and economy, we must invest in what truly matters: each other,” he commented.
On a disheartening note, the 2025 report shows a distressing trend in the United States regarding social interactions. Over the past two decades, the number of individuals lacking dining companions has doubled, with 19% of young people reporting they have no one to rely on. This is a stark warning about the rising loneliness and isolation that can negatively impact mental and emotional well-being.
Interestingly, research has shown how decreased inclusivity can be counteracted. Experiments in environments such as Stanford University attempted to bridge the perceived gap of empathy by showcasing how most peers genuinely wish to form friendships with strangers or extend help to those in need. These insights challenge prevailing narratives about social disengagement, revealing a more hopeful reality where people possess a foundation of goodwill towards one another.
The report offers actionable insights, encouraging individuals to engage in community work and foster social bonds that can aid in increasing happiness levels overall. Activities such as volunteering not only enhance feelings of fulfillment but can also reinvigorate connections amongst community members.
In a world where happiness is becoming increasingly crucial to gauge societal health, the World Happiness Report serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of our social fabric and the necessity of nurturing relationships to elevate life satisfaction for all.
