India ranked 118th out of 147 countries in The World Happiness Report 2025, released on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board, assesses countries based on factors like social, physical, and emotional support.
Finland has been ranked as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, with experts citing access to nature and a strong welfare system as factors, followed by Denmark and Iceland. Costa Rica and Mexico were included in the top 10 for the first time.
India’s ranking was 144th in 2012, but it reached its peak at 94th in 2022. The study considers six key factors for happiness: social support, GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and the perception of corruption. It also tracks whether citizens’ responses indicate positive or negative emotions about their country.
Neighbouring Pakistan stood at 109th. Despite facing significant economic and social challenges, Pakistan’s relatively higher ranking suggests a stronger sense of social support among its citizens, as per the report’s analysis.
Meanwhile, the United States recorded its lowest-ever position, ranking 24th. For the fourth consecutive year, Afghanistan, ranked 147th, remains the unhappiest country in the world, with Afghan women reporting especially difficult living conditions. Other nations at the bottom include Sierra Leone (146th), Lebanon (145th), Malawi (144th), and Zimbabwe (143rd).
The World Happiness Report 2025:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
