♦ The Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford released the World Happiness Report 2025 on March 20, the International Day of Happiness.

♦ The report was designed in collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board.

♦ Finland continues to hold the title of the world’s happiest country, followed by Denmark and Iceland.

♦The annual index evaluates nations based on social, physical, and emotional support factors influencing well-being.

♦ At the bottom of the ranking, Afghanistan recorded the lowest happiness score, with many Afghan women reporting worsening living conditions. Sierra Leone and Lebanon followed closely behind.

♦ India has climbed eight spots to rank 118th out of 147 countries.

♦ In the 2024 report, India had ranked 126th, the same as in 2023. The country’s lowest ranking was 144th in 2012, while its highest position came in 2022, when it stood at 94.

♦ Pakistan ranks 109th in the index. 

♦ The United Kingdom ranked at 23 and the United States stood at 24th place.

♦ The report ranks countries based on several metrics, including GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

♦ Despite being one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India’s overall happiness score remains low.

♦ The report also looks into the significance of sharing meals as a critical aspect of social connection that promotes overall happiness. However, India ranks 132nd globally in meal sharing, with an average of 4 meals shared per week.

♦ List of Top 10 Happiest Countries in the world