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Criteria -

The survey took into account six variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

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30. Kuwait -

Score: 6.629

Kuwait debuted in 2024 in the 13th position of the ranking. Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, the nation fell to the 30th position in 2025.

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29. Kosovo -

Score: 6.659

The country was a fresh entry in the top 30 of the World Happiness Report in 2024 and it remains in the same position in 2025. Levels of happiness are higher among young people.

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28. Uruguay -

Score: 6.661

The South American country just barely made it into the top 30 in 2023, at number 28. In 2024, it climbed to the 26th position but dropped to 28th again in 2025.

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27. Taiwan -

Score: 6.669

Taiwan has climbed up to the 27th position in 2025, which is above its average of 31. 

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26. Poland -

Score: 6.673

The European nation makes its debut in the top 30 in 2025. It also appeared in the ranking of the top 30 countries with the highest GDP per capita.

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25. Belize -

Score: 6.711

The Central American country debuts in the World Happiness Report in 25th position. The Caribbean nation ranks high in freedom. 

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24. United States -

Score: 6.724

The US has been dropping steadily in the ranking. It's worth remembering that the nation placed 11th in the first World Happiness Report in 2012. In 2025, it's down to position 24, dropping one spot from last year.

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23. United Kingdom -

Score: 6.728

The UK has also been dropping in the ranking consistently since 2020. In 2024, the nation dropped to number 20, and in 2025 it dropped yet again, to the 23rd position. 

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22. Germany -

Score: 6.753

The country is known for its strong economy, which is why it usually ranks in the top 15. In 2025, it climbed up two spots in relation to last year, to number 22.

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21. United Arab Emirates -

Score: 6.759

The UAE has been in the top 30 for a while now. It climbed from 22 to 21 this year, and remains in a solid position in the ranking. The country even has a ministry dedicated to happiness and well-being.

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20. Czech Republic -

Score: 6.775

Czechia was in 18th place in 2024 but had a drop in 2025 to the 20th position in the ranking. 

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19. Slovenia -

Score: 6.792

Coming in at number 19 is this beautiful Eastern European jewel. Slovenia is slowly climbing up the ranking and has gone from number 21 in 2024 to 19 in 2025.

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18. Canada -

Score: 6.803

Canada dropped from number 15 in 2024 to number 18 in 2025, but remains strong in the middle of the pack. The country's low unemployment rates might have something to do with it.

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17. Austria -

Score: 6.810

Vienna was once voted the best city in the world to live in because of safety and the price of quality housing, according to Mercer's ranking. The country dropped three spots but still ranks a respectable 17th.

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16. Lithuania -

Score: 6.829

The southernmost Baltic state climbed up three positions in 2025 compared to the previous year's ranking.

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15. Ireland -

Score: 6.889

Ireland's position in the ranking went from 17th in 2024 to 15th in 2025. The Irish are known to be hospitable, humorous, and friendly. The country is safe overall and has a stable economy.

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14. Belgium -

Score: 6.910

Ranking 16th in 2024, Belgium climbed two spots in the ranking in 2025.

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13. Switzerland -

Score: 6.935

The European nation dropped from number nine to 13 in comparison to last year. In Switzerland, life expectancy goes beyond 80, and its citizens are quite cultured, many speaking several languages (including German, French, and English). It's also one of the most competitive countries in the world.

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12. New Zealand -

Score: 6.952

New Zealand is considered one of the best places in the world to live, by both locals and foreigners. It dropped one position from 2024 to 2025.

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11. Australia -

Score: 6.974

Australians are satisfied with their well-being, have jobs, and have a high life expectancy. Incredible beaches also help, right? Australia also dropped one spot from last year. 

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10. Mexico -

Score: 6.979

The country didn't even make it into the top 30 in 2023, but in 2024 it climbed up to position 25. In 2025, Mexico went up significantly and cracked the top ten!

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9. Luxembourg -

Score: 7.122

This European nation might be small in size, but Luxembourg sure has everything its citizens need, and then some!

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8. Israel -

Score: 7.234 

Israel has a stable and sustainable economy. Most schools are public and offer quality education. The last year has been complicated due to the conflict and it dropped from position five to eight. 

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7. Norway -

Score: 7.262

This Northern European country usually places high in the ranking, particularly when it comes to the well-being of its citizens. In 2025, it remains in the same position as last year.

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6. Costa Rica -

Score: 7.274

Costa Rica climbed up from position 12 in 2024 to number six in 2025. The nation's slogan is pura vida, which translates to "pure life." That says something about Costa Rica's way of life indeed. 

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5. Netherlands -

Score: 7.306

Overall, the Netherlands is an open country and offers security to its citizens. It scores particularly well in GDP per capita and generosity. 

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4. Sweden -

Score: 7.345

The Swedish economy is developed and diversified. Sweden is considered one of the most socially equal nations in the world. The nation remains in the same position as the previous year.

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3. Iceland -

Score: 7.515

The top three begins with this island nation. The country is known for providing good social support to its citizens, including an affordable healthcare system and free education. 

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2. Denmark -

Score: 7.521

Denmark scored high in all criteria, including low corruption and high social trust.

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1. Finland -

Score: 7.736

This nation has topped the ranking for eight years in a row. Surely they must be doing something right!

Sources: (World Happiness Report 2025)

See also: Insights from the most extensive study on happiness

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