Overview

• Finland retains its position as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, with strong social support, trust, and resilience cited as key factors.
• The United States has dropped to its lowest-ever ranking of 24th, with declines in social connectedness and perceived freedom contributing to the fall.
• Costa Rica and Mexico make their debut in the top 10, ranking 6th and 10th respectively, attributed to strong family ties and community support despite lower GDP per capita.
• Nordic countries dominate the top spots, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden following Finland in the rankings, reflecting their focus on trust, equality, and work-life balance.
• Critics argue the report's methodology prioritizes life satisfaction and economic development over emotional well-being, raising questions about its comprehensive validity.