Join a global celebration of happiness.
Today (20th March) is the UN International Day of Happiness, a global annual event that recognises the importance of happiness and the profound impact is has on our lives. In fact, “all 193 United Nation member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given a greater priority.” 1 It is coordinated by Action For Happiness, formed by members from 160 countries (supported by partner organisations).
Each year’s campaign has a different theme which is shared with the annual World Happiness Report which publishes on International Day of Happiness. This year’s theme is Caring and Sharing. Action for Happiness explains, “This year’s theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected and being part of something bigger.” 2 Action for Happiness is hoping to create a movement of 1 million extra acts of caring and sharing globally.
Country rankings in the World Happiness Report 2025
As well as conducting research into happiness on a global scale and the factors that contribute to it, The World Happiness Report also contains a ranking of countries’ ‘happiness’. In this report specifically, the data is taken from Gallup’s World Poll that uses self-assess life evaluations averaged from 2022-2024.
Of the countries surveyed, here are the five ‘happiest’:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands 3
The factors used in these self-evaluations include GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption. However, it is important to note that there are some data gaps for some of the countries surveyed. 3
For more details on the data and the underlying research etc., check out the World Happiness Report 2025.
How will you get involved?
Are you doing anything to celebrate International Day of Happiness? Let us know on social media!
References
- International Day of Happiness (2025) ‘About’. Available at: https://www.dayofhappiness.net/about (Accessed: 14th March 2025)
- International Day of Happiness (2025) ‘International Day of Happiness – Caring and Sharing, 20th March 2025’. Available at: https://www.dayofhappiness.net/ (Accessed: 14th March 2025)
- World Happiness Report (2025) ‘World Happiness Report 2025’. Available at: https://happiness-report.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2025/WHR+25.pdf (Accessed 20th March 2025) Country rankings specifically taken from pg.17
