According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Portugal has dropped five positions in the global ranking after steadily improving its standing in recent years. In 2025, Portugal is ranked 60th with 6.013 points, among over 140 countries, against 6.030 points in the previous year.
Meanwhile, Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year.
The United States has fallen to its lowest-ever position, dropping to 24th place, its lowest ranking since the report’s inception, down from 23rd in the previous year. The decline in the US ranking has been attributed to several factors, including financial struggles and the impact of a significant election year.
The World Happiness Report evaluates countries based on multiple factors, including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
According to the 2025 report, the top ten happiest countries are Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico. At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country, with Sierra Leone and Lebanon also ranking among the lowest.
The report also highlights a persistent “benevolence bump,” with acts of kindness remaining over 10% higher than pre-2020 levels. These findings emphasize the importance of social connections, trust, and supportive environments in fostering national happiness.
The World Happiness Report is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an independent editorial board.
International Day of Happiness
The World Happiness Report was released on the occasion of the International Day of Happiness celebrated annually on March 20th. Established by the United Nations in 2012, the date recognizes the importance of happiness and well-being as fundamental human goals. The theme promotes mental well-being, kindness, and global happiness. The focus is on encouraging individuals, communities, and nations to prioritize happiness and a positive mindset in their policies and daily lives.
Source: World Happiness Report
PAJ/Staff
