The Top 7 Happiest Countries in the World (plus an inspiring honorable mention) for 2024
According to the World Happiness Report 2024, the following are the top 7 happiest countries in the world, along with an honorable mention that is truly inspiring.
1. Finland – A Consistent Leader in Happiness
Finland once again tops the list as the happiest country in the world, a position it has held for several years now. With a score of 7.741, Finland continues to excel in areas such as social support, healthy life expectancy, and freedom to make life choices. The country’s strong social safety net, excellent work-life balance, and commitment to environmental sustainability contribute significantly to the overall well-being of its citizens.
2. Denmark – Hygge and Contentment
Denmark, with a score of 7.583, takes the second spot on the list. Known for its “hygge” culture, which emphasizes coziness, contentment, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, Denmark consistently ranks high in happiness surveys. The country’s generous welfare system, low levels of corruption, and emphasis on work-life balance are factors that contribute to its citizens’ overall satisfaction.
3. Iceland – Natural Beauty and Economic Security
Iceland, with a score of 7.525, comes in third. This stunning island nation is renowned for its natural beauty, clean environment, and strong social safety net. Icelanders enjoy a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a robust economy, all of which contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.
4. Sweden – Embracing Work-Life Balance
Sweden, with a score of 7.344, takes the fourth spot. Known for its progressive policies, Sweden excels in areas such as work-life balance, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The country’s generous parental leave policies, affordable childcare, and commitment to reducing income inequality all contribute to the happiness and well-being of its citizens.
5. Israel – Resilience and Community Strength
Israel, with a score of 7.341, ranks fifth on the list. Despite facing unique challenges, Israelis exhibit remarkable resilience and a strong sense of community. The country’s robust economy, commitment to innovation, and tight-knit social fabric help foster happiness and well-being among its citizens.
6. Netherlands – Cycling and Sustainable Living
The Netherlands, with a score of 7.319, comes in sixth. This vibrant country is known for its bike-friendly culture, commitment to sustainable living, and high quality of life. The Dutch enjoy excellent work-life balance, strong social support systems, and a robust economy, all of which contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.
7. Norway – Natural Beauty and Prosperity
Norway, with a score of 7.302, rounds out the top seven. This Scandinavian nation is known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant natural resources, and prosperous economy. Norwegians enjoy a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a strong social safety net, all of which contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.
Honorable Mention: Costa Rica – A True Testament to Happiness
While not in the top 7, Costa Rica deserves an honorable mention for its outstanding performance in the World Happiness Report 2024. With a score of 6.955, this small Central American nation consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world. Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental conservation, strong social support systems, and focus on sustainable development have all contributed to the happiness and well-being of its citizens.
Ranked: The Most & Least Happy Countries in 2024
According to the World Happiness Report 2024, the top 10 happiest countries are:
- Finland (7.741)
- Denmark (7.583)
- Iceland (7.525)
- Sweden (7.344)
- Israel (7.341)
- Netherlands (7.319)
- Norway (7.302)
- Luxembourg (7.122)
- Switzerland (7.060)
- Australia (7.057)
On the other end of the spectrum, the 10 least happy countries are:
- Zambia (3.502)
- Eswatini (3.502)
- Malawi (3.421)
- Botswana (3.383)
- Zimbabwe (3.341)
- Congo (Kinshasa) (3.295)
- Sierra Leone (3.245)
- Lesotho (3.186)
- Lebanon (2.707)
- Afghanistan (1.721)
Happiness Levels in North & South America and Europe
The data shows that countries in North and South America, as well as Europe, tend to rank higher in overall happiness levels. Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Strong Economies: Many countries in these regions have robust and stable economies, which provide economic security and opportunities for their citizens.
- Social Support Systems: Countries like Canada, the United States, and those in Western Europe generally have well-established social support systems, including healthcare, education, and social safety nets.
- Freedom and Civil Liberties: These regions are known for their strong democratic traditions, respect for human rights, and freedom of choice, which are essential components of overall well-being and happiness.
- Environmental Quality: Many countries in these regions prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development, which contribute to a higher quality of life for their citizens.
However, it’s important to note that happiness levels can vary significantly within these regions, and certain countries may face unique challenges that impact overall well-being and satisfaction.
Happiness Levels in Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and Africa
The data reveals a diverse range of happiness levels across Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Africa. While some countries in these regions rank relatively high, others struggle with lower levels of happiness.
- Asia: Countries like Taiwan, Singapore, and Israel rank among the happier nations in the region, while others like Afghanistan and Yemen rank among the least happy.
- Middle East: Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait tend to rank higher in happiness levels, while nations like Yemen and Lebanon face significant challenges that impact overall well-being.
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand consistently rank among the happiest countries in the world, benefiting from their strong economies, social support systems, and environmental quality.
- Africa: While certain African countries like Mauritius and Libya rank relatively high, many nations on the continent face significant challenges, including poverty, conflict, and limited access to basic services, which can negatively impact happiness levels.
It’s important to recognize that happiness levels in these regions are influenced by a complex interplay of economic, social, political, and environmental factors, and that addressing underlying issues is crucial for improving overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Happiness Levels in Africa
Africa presents a diverse picture when it comes to happiness levels, with some countries ranking relatively high while others face significant challenges that impact overall well-being and life satisfaction.
On the higher end of the spectrum, countries like Mauritius (70th), Libya (66th), and Morocco (107th) rank among the happier nations in Africa. These countries benefit from factors such as relatively stable economies, social support systems, and environmental quality.
However, many African nations face significant challenges that contribute to lower levels of happiness. Poverty, conflict, limited access to basic services like healthcare and education, and environmental degradation are just some of the issues that impact overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Countries like the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Burundi consistently rank among the least happy nations in the world, grappling with the compounding effects of poverty, violence, and lack of economic opportunities.
It’s important to note that happiness levels within Africa can vary significantly, even among neighboring countries. Some nations may have pockets of relative prosperity and stability, while others face systemic challenges that hinder overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Addressing these underlying issues through sustainable development, conflict resolution, and investment in basic services is crucial for improving happiness levels and overall quality of life across the African continent.
Top 7 Happiness Countries for Young People
According to the World Happiness Report 2024, the top 7 happiest countries for young people (aged 15-34) are:
Lithuania tops the list for young people, perhaps due to its strong social support systems and opportunities for personal growth and development. Israel and Serbia, despite facing unique challenges, offer a sense of community and resilience that contributes to the happiness of their youth.
Top 7 Happiness Countries for Middle-Aged People
For those in the middle-aged group (35-59), the top 7 happiest countries are:
The Nordic countries dominate the top spots for middle-aged happiness, likely due to their strong economies, robust social safety nets, and excellent work-life balance policies. These factors provide a sense of security and well-being for those in their prime working years.
Top 7 Happiness Countries for Older People
When it comes to the elderly population (aged 60 and above), the top 7 happiest countries are:
The Nordic countries continue to excel in providing a high quality of life for their elderly citizens, with robust healthcare systems, strong social support networks, and a focus on active aging. Countries like Israel, New Zealand, and Australia also offer excellent living standards and opportunities for an enjoyable retirement.
Top 7 Unhappiest Countries for Young People
On the other end of the spectrum, the top 7 unhappiest countries for young people (aged 15-34) are:
These countries face a range of challenges, including poverty, conflict, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and inadequate social support systems. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the well-being and life satisfaction of young people in these nations.
Top 7 Unhappiest Countries for Middle-Aged People
For those in the middle-aged group (35-59), the top 7 unhappiest countries are:
Similar to the young population, these countries struggle with poverty, conflict, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate healthcare and social support systems. Improving living standards and addressing underlying issues are essential for enhancing the well-being and happiness of middle-aged individuals in these nations.
Top 7 Unhappiest Countries for Older People
When it comes to the elderly population (aged 60 and above), the top 7 unhappiest countries are:
Many of these countries face significant challenges in providing adequate healthcare, social support, and economic opportunities for their elderly population. Poverty, limited access to essential services, and inadequate infrastructure all contribute to lower levels of happiness and well-being among older individuals in these nations.
Where does this data come from?
The data used in this analysis is from the World Happiness Report 2024, an annual publication by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report ranks countries based on their overall happiness levels, taking into account various factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys thousands of respondents from countries around the world, asking them to evaluate their overall life satisfaction and various aspects of their well-being.
Methodology
The World Happiness Report calculates a “Happiness Score” for each country based on the following factors:
- GDP per capita: A measure of a country’s economic performance and standard of living.
- Social support: Having someone to count on in times of need.
- Healthy life expectancy: A measure of overall health and access to quality healthcare.
- Freedom to make life choices: The ability to make decisions and pursue life goals.
- Generosity: A measure of charitable behavior and willingness to help others.
- Perceptions of corruption: The perceived level of corruption in government and public institutions.
These factors are weighted and combined to create the overall Happiness Score, which is used to rank countries from happiest to least happy.
It’s important to note that the report’s methodology has evolved over time, and the specific factors and weightings may be adjusted annually to improve the accuracy and relevance of the rankings.
Criticisms
While the World Happiness Report is widely respected and provides valuable insights, it has also faced some criticisms:
- Subjectivity: The report relies heavily on subjective self-reported data, which can be influenced by cultural biases and individual perceptions.
- Limited scope: Some critics argue that the report’s factors do not fully capture the complexities of human well-being and happiness, which can be influenced by a wide range of social, cultural, and environmental factors.
- Data quality: The quality and reliability of data can vary across countries, which may impact the accuracy of the rankings.
- Aggregation issues: Aggregating data at the national level may obscure regional or demographic variations within a country.
Despite these criticisms, the World Happiness Report remains an important tool for understanding global trends in well-being and highlighting areas where improvements can be made to enhance the overall happiness and life satisfaction of people around the world.