These Are the World’s Happiest Countries In 2024

Every year, the World Happiness Report ranks countries based on various factors such as income, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, trust, and generosity. But, have you ever wondered where the happiest people in the world live? What factors contribute to choosing the world’s happiest countries in 2024? Whether it’s stunning natural landscapes, strong social connections, or a culture of mindfulness and gratitude, these countries have something special that sets them apart in terms of happiness. Let’s have a closer look together.

What Are the World’s Happiest Countries in 2024?

The top 10 list for 2024 remains consistent with previous years, including 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, with several Nordic countries occupying the highest positions. Here is who made it into the cutting board this year:

5. Israel

Despite the war with Hamas, Israel surprisingly ranked fifth in the list of happiest countries in 2024. The rankings are based on a three-year average, which can mitigate the impact of cataclysmic events like the conflict with Hamas. Israel has consistently ranked in the top 10 on the happiness report since 2022. The timing of surveys conducted in Israel and Palestine played a role in how the rankings were affected by the conflict.

4. Sweden

The first Nordic country on the list is Sweden. This time around, the Swedes take the 4th spot as the world’s happiest country. The 2024 report indicates a significant happiness gap between the older and younger populations in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain, with older individuals reporting higher levels of happiness. However, in Portugal and Greece, the trend is reversed, with younger people reporting higher levels of happiness compared to the older generation.

3. Iceland

In 2021, Iceland ranked as the fourth-happiest country globally with a score of 7.554. This year it is taking the third spot. Among the top seven happiest countries, Iceland had the highest sense of social support, surpassing even Finland, Norway, and Denmark. Additionally, Iceland ranked second in generosity within the top seven countries, although it ranked 11th globally in this aspect.

2. Denmark

Although it only ranked second this year, Denmark has accomplished another major feat. The 2024 World Happiness Report introduced separate rankings by age group, revealing that Lithuania tops the list for those under 30, while Denmark is the happiest nation for those over 60. The report also compares happiness across generations, noting that individuals born before 1965 tend to be happier than those born after 1980. Among Millennials, life satisfaction decreases with age, whereas among Boomers, it increases with age.

1. Finland

In the 2024 World Happiness Report, Finland has once again been named the happiest country for the seventh consecutive year. Factors contributing to Finland’s happiness include its strong welfare society, trust in state authorities, low corruption levels, and access to free healthcare and education. Finnish society is characterized by a sense of trust, freedom, and autonomy. The report also highlights that younger generations tend to be happier than older generations in most regions worldwide, though there are exceptions.

Who Ranks the Lowest in the World’s Happiest Countries?

In the 2024 rankings, Afghanistan retained its position as the unhappiest country in the world. Joining Afghanistan at the bottom of the list were Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and Congo, completing the five lowest-ranking countries in terms of happiness.

What About the U.S.?

In 2024, the United States dropped from 15th to 23rd place in the happiness rankings. Countries such as Costa Rica and Lithuania, newcomers to the top 20, surpassed the U.S. in ranking. This decline is attributed to lower happiness levels in the U.S., particularly among younger individuals.

Is your country listed as one of the World’s happiest countries in 2024?

You might also want to read: Iceland Is Officially the Most Peaceful Country in the World