Released every year on March 20, to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness, the World Happiness Report offers us a snapshot of global well-being and sparking conversations worldwide.

While the Nordic nations retained their positions at the top of the list, the report unveiled some intriguing shifts and insights, particularly regarding the use of social media, and the link to low motivation particularly in the younger generations. Its also interesting to see the changes in the statistics and reporting positions for various nations in the Middle East as the monitored happiness levels begin to increase within the region.

How are the happiest countries determined?

Happy child kid via unsplash mi-pham

Happy via unsplash jacqueline-munguia

The top five rankings remain similar to previous years, but the extensive ranking shows significant shifts

The annual report — a collaboration between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the World Happiness Report’s Editorial Board — analyses data from over 140 countries, focusing on factors like GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption

The findings for 2026 paint a complex picture, with traditional Nordic frontrunners maintaining their strong performances, but with a noticeable increase (and decrease) in the happiness scores of specific regions and urban centres. The report also emphasises the growing importance of social connections and community support in fostering happiness. In an increasingly interconnected world, the strength of social networks and the feeling of belonging play a crucial role in individual and collective well-being.

Happy People via unsplash timon-studler

Further to this, the World Happiness Report sheds light on the evolving perceptions of happiness and various factors (such as social media) that can have an impact on the younger generations. While economic prosperity remains a significant factor in this ranking, younger individuals are increasingly prioritising work-life balance, environmental sustainability, and personal fulfilment. In saying this, there has also been a noticeable shift in the level of happiness associated with those who regularly use or consume social media, particularly for prolonged periods every days. These shifts in values and the highlighting of potential social harm. underscores the need for governments and organisations to adopt a holistic approach to well-being, addressing not only material needs but also the emotional and social aspirations of the population.

Top 5 happiest countries in the world for 2026

Porvoo, Finland

Porvoo Finland via unsplash tapio-haaja

Finland is the happiest country in the world, according to the latest data and index results

Although the Nordic counties retain their top ranking spots in the World Happiness Index for 2026, we can see some shifts and massive changes in the top five ranking. Finland, Iceland and Denmark maintain their positions within the top three of the leaderboard. Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the ninth year running, while Denmark and Iceland have swapped positions, with Iceland taking second polling in the 2026 report.

Costa Rica jumped two spots from sixth position in last years poll, to fourth in the World Happiness Index for 2026. This move bumped both Sweden down a spot, and knocked The Netherlands out of the top five ranking, although the nation sits just outside the top five in 7th position after Norway in 6th place.

These are the happiness markers for the happiest countries in the world for 2026:

Happiness Index Countries 2026

For comparison, these are the 2025 statistics for the top five happiest countries in the world:

Happiest Countries in the World 2025

These are the 25 Happiest Countries in the World for 2026

Helsinki Finland via unsplash tapio-haaja

The Netherlands

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The Netherlands via unsplash alexei-maridashvili

Copenhagen, Denmark

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Denmark via unsplash jacob-buchhave

The Nordic countries remain at the top of the list for the happiest countries in the world

1. Finland (Last year: 1)

2. Iceland (Last year: 3)

3. Denmark (Last year: 2)

4. Costa Rica (Last year: 6)

5. Sweden (Last year: 4)

6. Norway (Last year: 7)

7. The Netherlands (Last year: 5)

8. Israel - no move

9. Luxembourg - no move

10. Switzerland (Last year: 13)

11. New Zealand (Last year: 12)

12. Mexico (Last year: 10)

13. Ireland (Last year: 15)

14. Belgium - no move

15. Australia (Last year: 11)

16. Kosovo (Last year: 29)

17. Germany (Last year: 22)

18. Slovenia (Last year: 19)

19. Austria (Last year: 17)

20. Czech Republic - no move

21. United Arab Emirates - no move

22. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Last year: 32)

23. United States of America (Last year: 23)

24. Poland (Last year: 26)

25. Canada (Last year: 18)

So, where does Saudi Arabia rank?

Hegra at AlUla, Saudi

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Riyadh, Saudi

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Ranking as one of the happiest countries in the MENA region, last year Saudi Arabia ranked as the 32nd happiest country in the world. But, the Kingdom has jumped an incredible ten places to 22nd happiest country in the world for 2026: reflecting the nation's ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being and experiences of its citizens, residents and visitors. The country's strong economic performance, coupled with internationally renowned investments in social programs and cultural initiatives has undoubtedly contributed to a positive shift in its happiness score.

This upward trend in the Kingdom's Happiness Index positioning highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents and citizens, whilst aligning with the broader regional focus on fostering happiness and well-being.

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