Here are the 20 happiest countries according to the World Happiness Report 2024.

The World Happiness Report debuted in 2012 to measure happiness across countries and assess their social progress. This year's analysis surveyed happiness levels worldwide across different age groups, based on data from 2021 to 2023. The study focused on six critical factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.

Finland remains the happiest country for another year, but several rankings have shifted since the previous report. Notably, the U.S. fell from 15th to 23rd, marking the first time it has dropped out of the top 20 since 2012.

Take a look at the 20 happiest countries, and you can view the full report for the complete list:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Israel
6. Netherlands
7. Norway
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Australia
11. New Zealand
12. Costa Rica
13. Kuwait
14. Austria
15. Canada
16. Belgium
17. Ireland
18. Czechia
19. Lithuania
20. United Kingdom

How the Top 20 Rankings Shifted in 2024

The top 10 countries have remained relatively stable, with Finland staying at number one and Denmark right behind it. However, the top 20 experienced notable shifts. Several Eastern European nations, such as Czechia and Lithuania (along with Slovenia at 21), moved up, pushing the U.S. out of the top ranks and causing Germany to drop from 16th to 24th. Costa Rica made its debut in 12th place, with Kuwait following in 13th.

Happiness Across Different Age Groups

While society often suggests that happiness declines with age, the latest report challenges this idea. It reveals significant happiness differences between age groups within countries. In North America, younger people’s happiness has fallen dramatically, leaving older generations in a better mood overall. For instance, the U.S. ranked 10th for people aged 60 and above, but dropped to 63rd for those under 30.

Why Did the U.S. Experience a Drop in Ranking?

Across the U.S. and other countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, happiness has dropped in all age groups. This decline is particularly noticeable in younger generations and is more pronounced in women than men. This marks a sharp contrast from 2006 to 2010, when young people were happier than those in midlife and almost as content as those over 60.

In the U.S., women report experiencing more frequent negative emotions than men, especially those under 30, whereas older generations report fewer negative feelings.

The U.S. is also facing a growing loneliness epidemic, particularly among younger generations, which affects social support, the quality of social interactions, and overall life satisfaction.

Although this may seem discouraging, there are several ways to enhance our social lives and experience more positive emotions. Incorporating some of these activities into your routine can help lift your mood:

• Practice gratitude
• Volunteer in your community
• Spend quality time with friends and family who uplift and energize you
• Engage in acts of kindness (these social gestures benefit both the giver and the recipient!)
• Start journaling
• Spend time in nature, especially near water
• Boost your serotonin through regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Ensure you get enough sleep
• Join a group, such as a book club, fitness class, art class, or language course, to meet new people
• Consider seeking therapy for extra support