The United States (US) has dropped from the list of happiest countries in the world in 2024 according to the World Happiest Countries report.
The US currently holds the 23rd position, a significant drop from its 15th place ranking last year.
This decline is attributed in part to a decrease in overall happiness among Americans under the age of 30. According to Gallup managing director Ilana Ron Levey, social connections play a significant role in this generational disparity, with younger Americans experiencing peak loneliness. The quality of interpersonal relationships is cited as a crucial factor influencing happiness, impacting individuals of different age groups in distinct ways.
Finland retains its position as the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Australia, rounding out the top 10.
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However, when examining happiness by age group, Lithuania emerges as the top-ranking nation for individuals under 30, while Denmark claims the title of the happiest country for those aged 60 and older. This highlights significant variations in life satisfaction ratings between different age demographics worldwide.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the happiness rankings.
The research team evaluates happiness levels based on responses from individuals in over 140 nations, considering factors such as healthy life expectancy, economic indicators, levels of corruption, social support, generosity, and freedom.
Gallup CEO Jon Clifton emphasizes that the report goes beyond national rankings, providing valuable insights for evidence-based policymaking.
According to the latest findings, happiness has declined among 15- to 24-year-olds in regions including North America, Western Europe, the Middle East/North Africa, and South Asia since 2019, raising concerns about the wellbeing of young people globally.
A poll conducted in December revealed that 21% of Americans described themselves as “very happy,” with an additional 55% reporting being “fairly happy.” Factors such as family life satisfaction and financial security were identified as significant contributors to overall happiness.
The release of the World Happiness Report coincides with the International Day of Happiness, observed on March 20, as designated by the United Nations.