UK Sees Lowest Global Ranking in Happiness Report Since 2017: How to Maintain Happiness
In a recent study, the United Kingdom has received its lowest global ranking in happiness since 2017. While countries like Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden continue to dominate the top positions in the World Happiness Report 2025, the UK has fallen to position 23. The report, conducted in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, highlights that happiness is influenced by factors beyond health and wealth.
According to Jon Clifton, the chief executive of Gallup, happiness is not solely determined by material wealth or economic growth but also by trust, connection, and a sense of community support. The study found that simple actions such as sharing meals with others, having someone to rely on for social support, and the size of one’s household can impact happiness levels significantly. For instance, in Mexico and Europe, households with four to five people tend to have higher levels of happiness.
Moreover, the report revealed that believing in the kindness of others plays a crucial role in overall happiness. The willingness of people to return a lost wallet was identified as a strong predictor of a population’s happiness. Nordic countries demonstrated high levels of expected and actual wallet returns, indicating a sense of trust and community spirit. Additionally, the study found that people tend to underestimate the kindness within their communities, with actual rates of wallet return being twice as high as expected.
While European nations predominantly feature in the top 20 of the happiness ranking, there were some surprises in the report. Despite the conflict with Hamas, Israel secured the eighth position, while Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time. In contrast, the United States experienced a decline in happiness, dropping to 24th place, attributed partly to the increase in individuals dining alone.
On a global scale, Afghanistan was once again ranked as the unhappiest country, with Afghan women highlighting the challenges they face in daily life. Sierra Leone and Lebanon followed as the second and third unhappiest nations, respectively. The study also raised concerns about the lack of social support, with 19% of young adults reporting having no one to rely on, marking a significant increase since 2006.
As countries were ranked based on self-assessed life evaluations from 2022 to 2024, experts from various fields analysed the data to understand the variations in happiness levels. Factors such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption were considered to explain the differences among nations.
In conclusion, the pursuit of happiness goes beyond material possessions and economic success. Building trusting relationships, fostering community support, and believing in the kindness of others are vital components of leading a fulfilling life. While the UK may have slipped in the global happiness rankings, individuals can still cultivate happiness through meaningful connections and a sense of belonging within their communities.