13:00, 23 March 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
With International Day of Happiness now behind us, a lot of data and reports have come out to evaluate and rank global happiness. With this year's theme focusing on the link between wellbeing and social media use, many are seeing if excessive involvement in the digital space is making populations, specifically young people unhappier.
But in this article, we share the top 10 happiest countries in the world and what other countries can learn from it, according to data collected from 2025 in the World Happiness Report.
1. Finland
Topping the list for the 9th year in a row, we have the fantastical Nordic nation. For holding the top spot for several years, there must be a secret that Finland has unlocked that the rest of the World needs to catch up on.
While high taxes may be an extreme turn off for many, Finns enjoy a highly supportive social care system, a robust education and healthcare provision. Residents of the country have highlighted that there is a shared level of security and low perceived corruption.
Joining the top ranks is the next Nordic nation, Iceland. Snagging the second spot from Denmark for the first time in 11 years. Despite having really short days in Winter (4 to 5 hours in the depths of the season), Icelanders have impressive happiness scores. The small European country had impressive scores for freedom and generosity, noting that the country has made considerable investment in progressive social policies, and infrastructure.
There is no surprise with the third place on the list. Denmark would be one of the countries that guarantees constant stability and security for all its citizens. With its low corruption rates, impressively high GDP per capita, and minimal inequality, there is no wonder that the Danish are seen as a jolly bunch.
Social policies such as a 37.5 hour working week and the concept of Hygge, which is all about enjoying the coziness and togetherness.
This is the highest rank of any South American country ever in the Happiness Report. Research suggests that Costa Rica’s latin family-centric views really shine when it comes to population happiness. Back in 1948, the island nation abolished its military and relocated their resources to future support their healthcare, education and environmental conservation efforts.
And it’s not just the residents, many travellers have found the country to be truly welcoming to foreigners.
As one of the world’s leaders in green technology and sustainable innovations, Sweden completes the top 5.
The country’s high quality of life and robust social safety nets sees its citizens as one of the happiest. Similarly to the other entries on this list, residents enjoy a healthy work-life balance, shared culture of respect and denounce inequality.
Like all the other countries so far on this list, Norway is up next and their happiness seems to be a decent mix of the other reasons on this list. Similar to the other Scandinavian countries, Norway also has a this list, Norway also has a strong social state and preferential welfare treatment for all residents.
But like Costa Rica, Norwegians are very in tune with the natural environment. Nature is said to have a profoundly positive effect on mental health and Norwegians love all things hiking and skiing.
As the first western European country on this list, the Netherlands stands out. While they are known as the city of bicycles, does this actually make their citizens happy?
Dutch culture prioritises a strong sense of community and social connection, with many people working part-time to spend more time with their families and being sociable. Children here are also noted to be one of the happiest, as there is a strong emphasis on encouraging the next generation, rather than putting them under too much pressure.
Despite a lot going on close by, Israel has consistently been amongst the top happiest countries. Some have noted this down to the culturally optimistic natural that many Israelis embody. Bridges For Peace highlights that purpose is a good driver for the state and is what keeps a lot of the nation happy despite hardship.
This country is unique because despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe, it’s one of the wealthiest nations with high average salaries, ranked 2nd in the world for work-life balance, and free public transportation (bus, trams and trains) throughout the whole country.
The landlocked country has a good relationship with its neighbours therefore its citizens can enjoy
And rounding out the list, we have the 8th European country. Neutral Switzerland gets its name for remaining neutral and unaligned in any intercountry conflict.
