Ranked: the world's HAPPIEST countries – where does the UK rank?

Happy lives

The world’s most cheerful – and least content – countries have been revealed, and some results may surprise you. In the latest World Happiness Report, 143 countries are ranked on their happiness based on factors like income, social support and freedom to make life choices. Countries are given a score based on self-assessed ‘life evaluations’ averaged over the years 2021-2023. The report asks questions relating to six variables: GDP per capita (economic output per person), social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption.

Read on to discover the world’s happiest – and most miserable – countries…

25th happiest: Mexico

Mexicans are generally pretty content, according to this year’s World Happiness Report. The world’s 13th largest country is also its 25th happiest, the 2024 study suggests. That’s thanks to factors such as social support – after all, this is a place where there is a culture of regular family gatherings, like eating together every weekend. Mexico, which this year scored 6.678, is even happier than in 2023, jumping 11 places from last year’s position of 36.

24th happiest: Germany

With a score of 6.719 in the World Happiness Report 2024, Germany takes up the 24th position on the chart. A strong GDP and great social support are said to be key contributing factors. Germany – which is known for exporting motor vehicles and chemical products – has a super high GDP and is the third-largest exporting nation in the world. And despite being one of the richest countries, it still has relatively low living costs, with perks including free university education and affordable public transport that actually runs smoothly.

23rd happiest: United States

Happiness in the United States has dramatically dropped this year. The country has plummeted off the top 20 list, falling from 15th happiest country last year to 23rd in 2024. This is partly because some European countries, including Czechia, Lithuania and Slovenia, have started climbing the happiness rankings, pushing the USA down the list. The report also shows that older Americans (aged over 60) are generally happier than younger generations, with the country receiving an overall score of  6.725, a fraction behind Germany.

22nd happiest: UAE

The United Arab Emirates consistently ranks fairly high in the World Happiness Reports. And this year is no exception, with the country swooping in to claim 22nd position in the happiness leaderboard. And with one of the world's most stable and prosperous economies, it’s easy to see why. Other smile-inducing aspects of living here are the tax-free income, sunny weather and an exceedingly low crime rate. This year the country scored 6.733, a little higher than last year’s 6.571, which gave it a position of 26.

21st happiest: Slovenia

Climbing one spot from last year’s 22nd position, Slovenia is the 21st happiest country in the world. This mountainous country in Central Europe has a lot going for it, including being the sixth safest country in Europe and having one of the lowest income inequalities in the EU. With these factors in mind, and other perks like having a good social support network and an above-average GDP per capita, Slovenian respondents nabbed a score of 6.743, cementing their position just outside of the top 20.

20th happiest: United Kingdom

The UK is one of the world’s happiest countries, landing 20th place in the report with a score of 6.749. Perhaps this is because residents of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a higher-than-average life expectancy (80 years compared to the global average of 71 years) and the UK spends comparatively more on social welfare (around 20% of GDP in 2019). The study also looked at happiness by age group and found the UK to be one of the countries where the old are now significantly happier than the young.

19th happiest: Lithuania

In 19th place on the happiness scale, Lithuania scored 6.818 in the report. This Baltic country, which borders Latvia, Belarus, Poland, Russia and Sweden, is a recent entrant to the top 20. In 2022, Lithuania was ranked 34th happiest country, climbing to 20th in 2023. It’s also the country where young people feel the happiest, taking the top spot in the ranking for under-30s.

18th happiest: Czechia

Holding onto the 18th happiest spot for the last three years, Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, received a score of 6.822 in the 2024 report. Like Lithuania, it’s one of the Eastern European countries whose happiness is rising, pushing out the likes of the United States and Germany from the top 20 list (they are ranked 23 and 24 respectively).

17th happiest: Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is happier than its UK neighbours, according to the report, which places it in 17th position on the happiness scale. The Emerald Isle scored a total of 6.838 points, though it has fallen down a few spots since 2023 (14th happiest) and 2022 (13th happiest). Still, this is a country with a growing economy, a nominal crime rate and St Patrick’s Day – all sure to boost national morale.

16th happiest: Belgium

People in Belgium are pretty content, scooping the accolade for the world’s 16th happiest nation. It’s a slight improvement on last year, when the country scored 17th in the happiness rankings. This year’s score of 6.894 reflects the population’s satisfaction with factors including healthy life expectancy at birth, freedom to make life choices and having someone to count on in times of trouble.

15th happiest: Canada

Canada, the second biggest country in the world, ranks 15th in the 2024 World Happiness Report with a score of 6.900. And there’s something striking about it being so high up – in the whole of the top 20, only Canada and the UK have populations over 30 million. So it seems that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to national contentment… unless you’re Canada or the UK. The report also shows that older Canadians (over 60) are far happier than the under-30s, a gap that has grown since 2010.

14th happiest: Austria

Austria has dropped three places from last year (when it was ranked 11th happiest country), falling to 14th happiest in 2024 with a score of 6.905. However, this landlocked European country still has plenty to be pleased about. It has a low crime rate, high-quality healthcare and a stable political environment. Its stunning Alpine landscape also has health benefits – promoting excellent air quality.

13th happiest: Kuwait

Kuwait is a brand new entrant to the top 20 list of happiest countries. Scoring 6.951 in the survey, this West Asian country has much to be proud of. Its economy is strong and its political system is stable. This is a country with a high standard of living, decent healthcare and a low crime rate. It also has the highest-valued currency in the world and there’s no income tax.

12th happiest: Costa Rica

Another new entry to the top 20, Costa Rica takes 12th place in the happiness rankings. This Central American country scored a healthy 6.955 in the report thanks to its residents answering positively on topics including health, safety and social support. Another perk for people living in Costa Rica is the country’s low crime rate. You’ve also got the tropical vibes – think warm, year-round temperatures, lush mountains and beautiful beaches. Enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.

11th happiest: New Zealand

Home to mammoth national parks, world-class surfing and skiing and delectable sauvignon blanc, New Zealand has it all. And its 5.1 million residents seem to agree. The country was revealed to be the 11th happiest in the world, according to the report, with a score of 7.029. However, the Kiwis may be a smidge less happy than in previous years – in 2022 and 2023, New Zealand ranked 10th happiest country, one spot higher than this year’s study.

10th happiest: Australia

Another southern hemisphere country has something to smile about – Australia is the 10th happiest country in the world, according to this report. And with an excellent healthcare system, a booming economy and more than seven hours of sunshine a day, we can see why Oz came out with a score of 7.057. It’s an improvement on 2022 and 2023, when the country was ranked lower, in 12th position both years. However, there’s quite a discrepancy between generations, with older Aussies far happier than the young.

9th happiest: Switzerland

Dropping one spot from last year’s eighth place, life in Switzerland is still pretty good. With a score of 7.060, it’s currently the ninth happiest country in the world. This could be partly due to its economy – Switzerland has one of the world’s most advanced economies, ranking first in the world on the Global Innovation Index. It’s also the third richest landlocked country (after Liechtenstein and Luxembourg), according to United Nations data for 2016.

8th happiest: Luxembourg

Another super-rich landlocked country – even more so than Switzerland – Luxembourg ranks eighth happiest country in the world. Here, life is generally pretty sweet, with excellent quality of living, high salaries and economic stability. There’s even free public transport. Little wonder this country scored highly this year (7.122). Luxembourg consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world – it was ninth in 2023 and sixth in 2022.

7th happiest: Norway

It’s no surprise that Norway comes out pretty high in the happiness rankings. Every year, this country in Northern Europe is rated one of the happiest in the world – and that’s despite its dark, bitterly cold winters. This year is no different – it ranked seventh in the chart, with a score of 7.302. Why? Free education for everyone, equal access to healthcare, the fair distribution of goods, and a healthy work-life balance are key factors, as well as ‘friluftsliv’, the Norwegian open-air lifestyle.

6th happiest: Netherlands

With a score of 7.319, the Netherlands came out as the world’s sixth happiest country. The Dutch have a relatively short work week (29 hours long), placing a strong emphasis on work-life balance. The Netherlands also does well in the key criteria for measuring happiness in the report. For instance, the country has a high GDP per capita, strong social networks and support systems, plus high levels of trust in government and institutions.

5th happiest: Israel

Despite the ongoing war with Hamas, Israel still ranked fifth in the 2024 World Happiness Report, with a score of 7.341. The study – which is partly based on the average life satisfaction over the past three years, between 2021-2023 – shows that during this time there was an overall sense of happiness with aspects including the strength of the economy, the degree of social involvement, and health services. The survey in Israel was taken after the 2023 hostage-taking but before much of the subsequent warfare.

4th happiest: Sweden

Sweden has jumped two spots from the number six position it held last year, taking fourth spot with a score of 7.344. Taxes are high here (personal income is almost 60%) but Swedes reckon the pros outweigh the cons. The country is affluent, with strong social support networks and perceived honesty in institutions. Sweden has one of the world’s most generous annual leave policies, which includes four consecutive weeks off in summer. New parents can take up to 16 months off – while receiving around 80% of their salary.

3rd happiest: Iceland

Another Nordic nation leading the pack is Iceland, which has sat in third place in the happiness ranking since 2022. This year, it scored 7.525, cementing its spot on the podium. And with such stimulating scenery (they don’t call it ‘the land of fire and ice’ for nothing), low taxes and free healthcare and education, it is no surprise that it’s so close to the top spot. With a population of just over 382,000, there’s an extremely low crime rate – the kind of place where babies are left outside in prams to enjoy the fresh air!

2nd happiest: Denmark

Runner-up for the sixth year in a row, Denmark is the world’s second happiest country. It scored 7.583 in this year’s report, a smidge in front of Iceland. This Scandinavian country, with its cheerful emphasis on hygge (cosiness), is financially strong with a high GDP per capita. Danes also have a long life expectancy (an average of 81 years) and low levels of crime and corruption. There’s also a sense of community spirit – none of the nine major political parties support dismantling the Danish welfare state.

1st happiest: Finland

Finland has done it again. For seven consecutive years, this Nordic country has chart-topping contentment levels, scoring 7.741 in 2024. And it’s easy to see why. Here there’s a strong welfare state, a clean and functional transport system and high standards of living. Many Finns also credit getting outdoors with their satisfaction with life – there’s incredible nature here, with more forest per square mile than any other European nation. Finland also has a high-trust society – plus more than three million saunas to relax in. Bliss.

10th most miserable: Zambia

On the other end of the scale, people in Zambia don’t feel content. The southern African country scored just 3.502 in the happiness chart, taking 134th position out of the 143 countries surveyed. In other words, Zambia emerges as the 10th most miserable country in the world. Among the biggest problems here are high levels of poverty and health risks. According to Oxfam, more than six million people in Zambia face hunger, malnutrition and water scarcity.

9th most miserable: Eswatini

The Kingdom of Eswatini has dropped 10 places from 2022, taking 135th position this year, or the ninth most miserable. The low score of 3.502 might be explained by multiple factors, including consistently low enrolment rates in secondary schools, income and gender-based inequalities and lack of support for the school-to-employment transition. Corruption is also an increasing issue in the southern African country, with 30% of citizens reporting having to pay a bribe to avoid a problem with the police.

8th most miserable: Malawi

Malawi also holds an unenviable position, just eighth from the bottom spot in the happiness rankings, scoring 3.421. Residents of the African country responded negatively to the report’s life evaluation questions, with low scores on everything from freedom and generosity (charitable giving) to healthy life expectancy (here the average life expectancy is lower than the global average, at just 62 years old). Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with over half of the 18.6 million population living in poverty.

7th most miserable: Botswana

With its incredible safari destinations, Botswana may evoke happy moments for holidaying tourists – but for its 2.63 million residents, it’s a different story. The country scored just 3.383 in the report, taking 137th place, or seventh lowest. In Botswana, poverty and unemployment remain high. Despite recent improvements in health access, this has not translated to health outcomes, particularly for women and children. For every 1,000 children born alive in Botswana, 56 die before their fifth birthday, with sepsis, severe malnutrition, diarrhoea and pneumonia accounting for most of the deaths.

6th most miserable: Zimbabwe

Just sixth from the bottom spot, in 138th position on the scale of happiness, Zimbabwe scored a mere 3.341 in the report. Even though poverty here has declined since its 2020 peak, it’s still high. Much of this is due to persistent inflation, high dependence on low-productivity agriculture, drought, natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria are the top three health threats for Zimbabwe’s citizens, with declining economic conditions eroding its health system.

5th most miserable: Congo

Almost three-quarters of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 84.1 million residents live on less than £1.50 ($1.90) a day. Despite being one of Africa’s most populous countries, it’s also one of its poorest. This partly explains why it scores so badly on the happiness chart, which considers GDP per capita. The Congo scored just 3.295 this year, taking 139th position, just five away from last place. In 2023, the country’s outlook was equally as bleak, ranking fifth most miserable. It’s a fair drop from 2022, when the Congo held 99th position, 47 places from last.

4th most miserable: Sierra Leone

Scoring just 3.245 in the 2024 World Happiness Report, Sierra Leone is right down there in 140th place – or fourth from bottom. Why the lack of cheer? For starters, the economy here isn’t in great shape. High inflation and climate vulnerabilities threaten to increase food insecurity and aggravate social tensions. There’s also political and social instability, following disputed elections and an attempted coup in November 2023.

3rd most miserable: Lesotho

Taking third place on a podium of unhappiness is this high-altitude, landlocked kingdom in southern Africa. It scored a paltry 3.186 on the happiest scale, with its 2.3 million population facing economic hardships and major problems including human trafficking and forced labour – directly opposite to the freedom to make life choices felt by countries higher up the rankings. Lesotho also has the world’s second-highest rate of HIV/AIDS at 25% (after Eswatini).

2nd most miserable: Lebanon

Lebanon ranks as the second unhappiest country in the world – a depressing title it has held since 2022. The country’s low score of 2.707 is testament to the national turmoil. Lebanon is facing its worst crisis for many years – a crippling economic situation that has pushed 80% of the population into poverty. Many communities, including refugees, LGBT people and those with disabilities, have been marginalised. The provision of public services has also been shattered, with education, security and health taking a backseat.

1st most miserable: Afghanistan

A sobering title that no one wants to hold goes to Afghanistan. This war-torn country has been, once again, named the world’s saddest. It scored a meagre 1.721 in the happiness report, a full six points less than Finland at the top. The country suffers from vast political instability and a lack of human rights, with the Taliban imposing harsh restrictions on women’s rights to education, employment, free speech and movement, and dress. Poverty impacts an estimated 90% of the nation, with experts warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

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