Finland has been ranked as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report, a UN-sponsored survey measuring perceived happiness in populations. Sweden dropped from fourth to fifth place in the rankings, while Costa Rica rose to fourth place from 23rd in 2023. The United States is ranked 23rd, and Afghanistan is at the bottom of the list.
Approximately 1,000 people from each country participate in the survey annually. According to Micael Dahlen, a professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden's drop in ranking is reportedly due to Costa Rica's strong improvement rather than Swedes becoming less happy. Dahlen also noted that Finland's top position may be linked to factors such as Finns relying on each other and not taking things for granted, with its geographically exposed location near Russia potentially playing a role.
Sweden's drop in ranking is reportedly due to Costa Rica's strong improvement rather than Swedes becoming less happy.
The report shows that young people in Sweden and English-speaking countries experience lower and declining happiness, which Dahlen attributes to factors like increased insecurity from global changes and a lack of social training outside social media.
Finland's top position may be linked to factors such as Finns relying on each other and not taking things for granted, with its geographically exposed location near Russia potentially playing a role.
The report shows that young people in Sweden and English-speaking countries experience lower and declining happiness, which Dahlen attributes to factors like increased insecurity from global changes and a lack of social training outside social media.