Global Happiness on the Rise, But Disparities Remain

The 2026 World Happiness Report, now in its 21st year, indicates that gains in well-being are being reported in nearly twice as many of the 136 countries surveyed compared to losses since 2006. Researchers continue to collaborate across disciplines – psychology, economics, and political science – to inform government policies aimed at boosting citizen well-being.

Nordic Dominance Continues

Finland continues to lead the world in happiness, securing the highest well-being score. Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Norway follow closely, completing the top six. The Netherlands, Israel, Luxembourg, and Switzerland round out the top ten happiest countries globally.

Key Factors Influencing Happiness

The report identifies six key variables explaining three-quarters of the variation in life evaluations across countries: per capita Gross Domestic Product, social support, long life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, and levels of corruption. Notably, Central and Eastern European countries are showing increasing happiness levels.

The NANZ Exception: Declining Happiness in North America, Australia, and New Zealand

While global happiness is generally increasing, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand – collectively referred to as NANZ – are notable exceptions. These countries are experiencing a distinct pattern of declining life evaluations and emotional well-being.

Young People in NANZ Struggle

Under-25s in the NANZ region rank among the lowest in the 136 countries surveyed, falling between 122nd and 133rd place. Despite worrying less than older generations, they report lower life evaluations overall.

The Impact of Social Media

The report highlights a complex relationship between social media use and happiness. While platforms prioritizing communication, news, learning, and content creation can support well-being, heavy use of platforms driven by algorithmically curated content is linked to decreased life satisfaction.

Social Media's Irony

Researchers point to the irony of the term “social” media, noting that many platforms are, in practice, “anti-social.” Heavy use, particularly of visually-driven platforms featuring influencers, is associated with higher levels of negative emotions. A survey of U.S. college students revealed that the majority wish social media platforms didn’t exist, using them only because others do.

Positive Uses of the Internet

Conversely, internet activities focused on social connection, such as communication, are associated with higher life satisfaction, especially among young people in Latin America. Platforms designed to facilitate connections show a positive association with happiness.

Report Methodology and Historical Trends

Since 2013, the World Happiness Report has used three-year averages to account for short-term fluctuations. Comparing the 2026 rankings to those of 2013, 14 Western industrial countries remain in the top 20. Three new countries from Central and Eastern Europe have joined the top 20, alongside Mexico and Costa Rica, whose rise to fourth place marks the highest ranking ever for a Latin American nation.

The World Happiness Report 2026 was authored by Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., Sachs, J. D., De Neve, J.-E., Aknin, L. B., & Wang, S. and published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.