US drops to its lowest ranking in ‘Happiness Report’: Under 30s cite ‘increase in loneliness’

April 11, 2025

The annual World Happiness Report from the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network shows the Nordic countries at the top of the rankings while the U.S. has fallen to 24th place.

According to The Christian Post the rankings are based on evaluations of GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

Finland claimed the position of the happiest country in the world for its eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland and Sweden.

Costa Rica and Mexico cracked the top 10 in the Happiness Index for the first time, coming it at number 5 and number 10, respectively.

The Christian Post reports that the decline in ranking for the U.S. is attributed, in part, to increasing feelings of loneliness and a decrease in perceived social support, among people younger than 30.

According to the report, “younger people today report feeling less supported by their friends and family, less free to make life decisions, and less optimistic about their quality of life.”

Meanwhile, due to declining social trust and political polarization, the U.K. has seen its ranking fall to 23rd, it’s lowest position on record.

The report notes that, despite global challenges, altruistic behavior has continued with ongoing acts of benevolence and kindness.

John Helliwell, the founding editor of the World Happiness Report says, “People’s fellow citizens are better than they think, and realizing that will make you happier.”

The report was released on March 20th.

Photo: top, Credit: Unsplash/Just Jack