Islamabad, March 20: Pakistan ranks 109th in the The World Happiness Report 2025 where as its ranking in Wallet Returned by Stranger is at 35th put of 147 nations.
The World Happiness Report 2025 reveals that Finland has retained its position as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year.
Data gathered by the United Nations (2019) indicates that multi-generation households are extremely common in many countries or areas in Asia (more than half in India and Pakistan), as well as several in sub-Saharan Africa.
Meanwhile, the United States has earned its lowest ranking yet, coming in at No. 24. The report, released on March 20 to coincide with UN International Day of Happiness, highlights shifting trends in global happiness, social trust, and political polarization.
World Happiness Report 2025: Finland’s Consistent Top Spot
Finland’s strong social support systems, high-quality healthcare and education, and low inequality in well-being contribute to its continued dominance in the rankings.
The Finnish mindset, with an emphasis on community and unity, also plays a role.
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John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, pointed out the significance of individuals caring for each other, citing research that shows the return of lost wallets as a marker of social trust.
World Happiness Report 2025: Social Support and Unity in Nordic Countries
Alongside Finland, other Nordic countries—Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden—remain in the top four, all benefiting from universally available social welfare and trust in their institutions. Norway holds its place at No. 7.
World Happiness Report 2025: A Shifting Perspective in Latin America
For the first time in the report’s history, two Latin American countries have entered the top 10: Costa Rica at No. 6 and Mexico at No. 10. Both nations have strong social networks and a positive outlook on their economies and leadership.
Other Notable Countries in the Top 10
- Netherlands at No. 5
- Israel at No. 8
- Luxembourg at No. 9
The United States: A Decline in Happiness
The United States, after dropping out of the top 20 for the first time last year, has now dropped to No. 24.
A major factor contributing to this decline is the dissatisfaction felt by younger Americans (under age 30), who report feeling less supported by family and friends and more uncertain about their future.
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This dissatisfaction is also contributing to increased political polarization and a lack of trust in institutions.
World Happiness Report 2025: Global Trends and Rising Challenges
The decline in happiness is not exclusive to the United States.
Other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom (ranked No. 23) and Canada (ranked No. 18) also face challenges with happiness, though they remain in the top 20.
The World’s 20 Happiest Countries in 2025:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Lithuania
- Austria
- Canada
- Slovenia
- Czech Republic
The Bottom Five:
The countries at the bottom of the rankings, struggling with conflict and instability, include:
- Afghanistan at No. 147
- Sierra Leone at No. 146
- Lebanon at No. 145
- Malawi at No. 144
- Zimbabwe at No. 143
A Call for Positive Change
The report also highlighted a global finding that people tend to overestimate negativity in their communities.
John Helliwell encouraged a shift in perspective, urging people to see their neighbors and colleagues as friends waiting to be made, which could help combat negativity and foster greater cooperation.
Ultimately, Helliwell believes that “looking at people with a rosier set of glasses” could transform many aspects of life, from political discussions to daily interactions, thereby contributing to greater happiness for everyone.
