According to the annual report released by the Welfare Research Center at the University of Oxford, once again, the Scandinavian countries topped the happiness rankings.

According to the World Happiness Report 2025, Finland was chosen as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive time.

The top 10 happiest countries in the world are ranked as follows: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico.

In the list, Germany ranks 22nd, the United Kingdom 23rd, France 33rd, Spain 38th, and Italy 40th. Turkey, which was in 98th place last year, rose to 94th place this year.

The study was conducted jointly by the analysis firm Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The country rankings are based on the responses people give when asked to evaluate their own lives.

Gallup CEO Jon Clifton stated, “Happiness is not just about wealth or growth; it is about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back. If we want stronger societies and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”

While European countries dominate the top 20 in the rankings, there were some exceptions. Despite the attacks on Gaza, Israel ranked 8th. Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking 6th and 10th respectively.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EATING ALONE IN THE U.S. DOUBLED When it comes to declining happiness or increasing unhappiness, the United States, which was ranked 11th in 2012, fell to 24th place, its lowest position to date. The report mentions that the number of people eating alone in the United States has increased by 53% over the last twenty years. The United Kingdom ranks 23rd, reporting its lowest average life evaluation since the 2017 report. Afghanistan continues to be ranked as the world’s unhappiest country, with Afghan women noting that their lives are particularly challenging.