India Ranks 118th in Global Happiness Report, Finland Tops List

New Delhi, March 21, 2025: India has been ranked 118th out of 147 countries in the latest World Happiness Report 2025, released on the UN's International Day of Happiness. The report assesses the quality of life in over 140 countries based on resident feedback.

Finland has retained its top spot as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, with an impressive average score of 7.74 out of 10. According to Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics at the University of Oxford and editor of The World Happiness Report, Finland's high ranking can be attributed to its wealth, good health, social connections, and connection with nature.

India's ranking places it behind several conflict-affected nations, including Ukraine, Mozambique, and Iraq. The report evaluates various factors such as social support, health, freedom, generosity, perception of corruption, and gross domestic product (GDP) to determine the happiness levels of 147 countries.

The World Happiness Report serves as a reminder for nations to focus on the well-being and quality of life of their citizens, rather than just economic growth. As India strives to improve the lives of its citizens, it is essential to address the underlying factors that impact happiness and well-being.

By Fr. Suresh Mathew