2025 World Happiness Report shows U.S. in lowest-ever spot on list
The United States experienced a significant drop in its happiness ranking this year, falling to its lowest-ever place on the World Happiness Report. Released annually on International Day of Happiness, the 2025 report emphasizes the positive impact of benevolence and social connections on individuals’ life satisfaction.
Finland maintained its position as the happiest nation for the eighth consecutive year, while Mexico and Costa Rica made their debut in the top 10 rankings. The report ranks 147 countries based on the population’s average assessment of their quality of life from 2022 to 2024, with data sourced primarily from the Gallup World Poll.
Researchers discovered that beliefs in the kindness of others and engaging in acts of care and sharing significantly contribute to happiness levels. Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup, emphasized that happiness is not solely dependent on wealth or growth but is rooted in trust, connection, and a sense of community support.
In contrast to its previous rankings, the United States dropped to 24th place globally, attributing factors such as the increasing trend of individuals eating meals alone. The report highlighted a 53% increase in the number of Americans eating all their meals solo since 2003, with a particular rise among young people.
Another factor influencing America’s decline in happiness rankings is the escalating political polarization and votes against the established system. The report notes a correlation between the country’s happiness levels and the rise of anti-system party affiliations in Western Europe and the U.S.
On a positive note, Mexico and Costa Rica’s entrance into the top 10 rankings was linked to their larger household sizes and strong family bonds. The report suggested that Latin American societies with extended family structures offer valuable lessons for achieving higher and sustainable wellbeing.
Furthermore, a fascinating experiment conducted by the Gallup World Poll in 2019 revealed that people are more pessimistic about the benevolence of others than reality. The “dropped wallet experiment” showed that the proportion of returned wallets exceeded expectations, indicating a higher level of trust and care within communities.
The report also highlighted the global increase in benevolent acts, with a 10% rise in 2024 compared to previous years. The top 20 happiest nations, including Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, were recognized for their strong sense of community and trust among residents.
Overall, the World Happiness Report underscores the importance of social connections, kindness, and community support in fostering happiness and wellbeing. As societies continue to navigate challenges and changes, prioritizing relationships and care for others remains integral to a fulfilling and contented life.
By Nicole Brown Chau, Deputy Managing Editor for CBSNews.com
