World Happiness Report 2026
World Happiness Report 2026, released on the occasion
of the International Day of Happiness (20 March), highlights global well-being
trends with a special focus on the impact of the digital age.
About the World Happiness Report
¨
It is a globally
recognised annual publication on wellbeing, first released in 2012 following a
United Nations initiative inspired by Bhutan’s emphasis on happiness as a
measure of development.
¨ It is prepared by the
University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and
the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, with contributions from
leading researchers across disciplines.
¨ The report aims to
provide a comprehensive understanding of global happiness and the factors that
influence it, while making insights from wellbeing science accessible for
policymakers and the public alike. Its release coincides every year with the
International Day of Happiness, observed on 20 March.
¨
Methodologically, the
report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll covering over 140 countries.
¨
It uses the Cantril
Self-Anchoring Scale, where respondents rate their lives on a ladder from 0
(worst possible life) to 10 (best possible life).
¨ The rankings are derived
from a three-year average of life evaluations (2023–2025) to ensure stability
and reliability.
¨ The report evaluates
happiness based on key determinants such as GDP per capita, healthy life
expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and
perceptions of corruption.
¨ The 2026 edition
specifically focuses on wellbeing in the digital age, examining how patterns of
internet and social media use are reshaping global happiness.
Key Findings of the Report
Global Rankings and Trends
¨
Finland remains the
world’s happiest country for the 9th consecutive year (score: 7.764).
¨
Iceland (2nd), Denmark
(3rd), Sweden (5th), Norway (6th).
¨
Costa Rica emerged as a
major climber, reaching 4th rank, the highest-ever for a Latin American
country.
¨
Switzerland re-entered
the top 10 (10th).
Absence of English-Speaking Countries
¨
No English-speaking
country is in the top 10 for the second consecutive year
¨
Only a few in the top 20:
New Zealand (11th), Ireland (13th), Australia (15th)
Others rank lower
¨
USA (23rd), Canada
(25th), UK (29th)
¨
India’s Performance:India
ranks 116th (score: 4.536)
¨
Shows gradual
improvement; 126th (2024) → 118th (2025) → 116th (2026)
Least Happy Countries
¨
Countries affected by
conflict and instability dominate the bottom rankings
¨ Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country (147th)
¨ Followed by Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lebanon, DR Congo, Egypt, Tanzania.
