20 Happiest Countries in the World 2025
Happiness is like a butterfly; we all chase it but rarely enjoy it. Although we can create happiness wherever we live, according to the World Happiness Report, there are certain countries where people appreciate happiness and cultivate it daily. In other words, they are truly happy.
Personally, I think it’s hard to name the happiest country in the world. However, leading experts across fields such as psychology, economics, national statistics, public policy, health, etc., prove the contrary. Honestly speaking, my country isn’t on the list of the happiest countries in the world, but I’m happy for people who live in these 20 happiest countries:
1 Finland
I was surprised to see Finland among the happiest countries in the world. Don’t get me wrong, I love this country, and I’m happy that Finns are happy. I was astonished because this country is a bit underrated. Hopefully, this list will let many of you know how wonderful, beautiful, and happy Finland is.
Despite its cold weather, the country has tons of activities to offer, including watching the Northern Lights. Moreover, there are many breathtaking gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, and museums to explore.
2 Denmark
In the third World Happiness Report, Denmark has slipped from first to third place. I think it changes nothing. Denmark has more to offer than just great beer. The country is known for its spectacular landscapes, friendly people, strong welfare state system, modern economy, and the fairytale stories of Hans Christian Andersen.
Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Denmark is an amazing tourist destination that welcomes people from all over the globe.
3 Switzerland
Known for its amazingly delicious chocolate, enchanting landscapes, multiculturalism, and quality of life, Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world. Even though it’s a small and steep country, there are many things to see and do, apart from skiing and snowboarding.
Rivers, Alpine lakes, mountains, plateaus, fantastic hiking trails, luxury ski resorts, and serene beauty make Switzerland a truly magical destination to enjoy happiness and peace.
4 Iceland
Have you ever visited Iceland? If so, you probably noticed how friendly, smiling, and happy the locals are. Iceland is becoming more and more popular these days, especially its capital Reykjavik. Tourists enjoy bathing in hot natural springs and whale-watching.
Iceland boasts breathtakingly beautiful and untouched wilderness that makes it a truly happy place to live and visit. Of course, many other things make Iceland the second happiest country in the world.
Read also – 8 Most Underrated Countries in Europe
5 The Netherlands
Famous for its canals, clogs, bicycles, museums, cheeses, windmills, and tulips, the Netherlands is the perfect destination for those seeking happiness. This one of the happiest countries in the world has many wonderful cities and villages where you can enjoy solitude, the sights of interest, and fun activities.
Despite being a small country, it’s packed with world-famous icons. Each year, the Netherlands hosts a lot of awesome events and festivals worth visiting.
6 Norway
One of the most peaceful countries in 2025 – according to the Global Peace Index – Norway turned out to be one of the happiest countries in 2025 as well. Like all Scandinavian countries, Norway is a friendly country renowned for its Northern Lights, fjords, incredible waterfalls, impressive glaciers, Santa’s home in Lapland, fun reindeer, and hundreds of the island’s luscious parks.
Norway is a bit underrated country, yet thousands of people visit it annually and gain positive impressions only.
7 Sweden
With its beautiful nature, parks, museums, galleries, resorts, and restaurants, Sweden is the 7th happiest country in the world. Swedish people simply radiate positivity and happiness. I can’t say they live better than any other nation – it probably depends on people’s mindset.
The capital of Sweden, Stockholm boasts ancient architecture, fabulous art galleries, fancy festivals, and sporting events.
8 Luxembourg
With a population of less than 600,000, the small but still one of the happiest countries in the world 2025, Luxemburg offers high salaries and a strong social security system to help its citizens after retirement. But before you rush to the conclusion that happiness in Luxembourg can actually be bought with money, know that the country has many other privileges that have nothing to do with cash, including an excellent healthcare system and work-life balance.
Quality medicine is available to residents regardless of citizenship. All residents of this one of the happiest countries can get help under the basic health insurance program, which covers most of their health costs. High level of healthcare, living conditions, and excellent prospects – all this is largely why the Duchy has one of the highest life expectancies in the E.U. – 82.4 years.
More – 6 Handy Tips for Women Traveling in Sweden
9 New Zealand
New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes never stop surprising me. The more new places I visit in New Zealand, the stronger my desire to move to this country. Call me a nature junkie, but I believe nature makes us healthy and happy.
The country’s high standards of living and friendly people make it one of the happiest countries in the world, inviting destinations for tourists from different parts of the world.
10 Austria
Austria is also considered one of the happiest countries in the world. Medical care is one of the pluses of living in Austria. Thanks to the health care system, life expectancy here is 81 years. Furthermore, higher education is considered one of the best in Europe, and the diploma is recognized around the world. Well-developed infrastructure amazes every visitor to this country.
The high standard of living with a stable economy, environmental cleanliness, high level of medicine, education, and various services make Austria one of the happiest countries in the world 2025.
Read also – 8 Most Beautiful Island Countries in the World
11 Australia
Finally, Australia is the 10th happiest country in the world that can teach you how to live a truly happy life. While most tourists enjoy scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, you can explore hundreds of beautiful beaches, 500 national parks with incredible wildlife, and astonishing museums and galleries. It’s just hard to describe this country. You really do have to visit it in person!
12 Israel
Israel has a strong social and family structure, a healthy life expectancy, excellent medical care, and a stable economy, all of which contribute to a sense of security and connectedness among its residents. This one of the happiest countries in the world 2025 is considered one of the most developed countries in medicine and industry.
Spending quality time with friends and family is highly valued in Israel because of the importance placed on these relationships. People from all over the world live here, there is the sea, archaeological sites, historical monuments, fantastic food, and wonderful people. Therefore, For many, Israel has become a cultural center and a country with a fairly high standard of living.
13 Germany
One of the leading countries of the European Union, Germany, is also one of the happiest countries in the world in 2023. Germany is known for its rich culture, history, and industry.
One reason for Germany’s high level of happiness is its strong social welfare system. The country’s welfare system ensures that all citizens have access to health care, education, and other basic needs, reducing the stress and anxiety that often arise from poverty and insecurity. Germany is also known for its strong sense of community and social trust. Overall, Germany is a country that offers a high standard of living and a good work-life balance.
14 Canada
Needless to say, Canada is one of the happiest countries in the world, and it’s no wonder why. It’s a multicultural country where people know how to live a long and happy life. Wherever you go in Canada, there are fantastically friendly people from a multitude of racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, stunning landscapes, and interesting activities.
Montreal and Toronto are two cosmopolitan cities that are famous for fashion shows, international film festivals, exclusive art collections, hotels, and top-flight restaurants.
15 Ireland
Ireland is known for its spectacular scenery, tumultuous history, fascinating tales of leprechauns and elves, traditional music, and passionate dancing. You are welcome to discover Ireland’s rugged rocky landscapes, endless green fields, tranquility, and happiness.
Highly developed Ireland is also one of the happiest countries in the world for a reason. Undoubtedly, beautiful nature, lots of attractions, good roads and simple rules and signs, greeting open people with a good sense of humor, lots of opportunities in work, education, and business, and economic stability affect the quality of life and local satisfaction.
16 Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a reserve country, where a riot of wild flora and fauna is surrounded by mountains and the ocean. The main attractions of the country are national parks, mountains, and underwater caves, as well as waterfalls, picturesque mountain and river valleys, and volcanoes.
Quality free health services, decent schooling, and a burgeoning technology sector that attracts talent from all over South America are what you’ll find in Costa Rica. All these reasons make residents the happiest people in the world.
17 United Kingdom
From Big Ben to Loch Ness Lake. The Tower Bridge, the Eye of London, dozens of museums and theaters, and many other interesting places are located in this one of the happiest countries in the world 2025.
The United Kingdom has one of the world’s most developed economies, which is directly reflected in the high solvency of the population, social protection, and stable financial and political situation in society. The country offers many jobs for both young and established professionals. Therefore, building your life, studying, and doing business is easy and comfortable.
18 Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a rich cultural heritage. The country attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique architecture, spa resorts, ancient castles, and a high level of service. The Czech people are also characterized by high personal freedom, a sense of community, and trust in their government.
The Czech Republic also has a robust social security system that takes care of the well-being of its citizens. In addition, the health care system is well-funded and provides excellent services, and the education system is free and of good quality. All of this contributes to the overall happiness of the Czech people. Due to creating a society that values the well-being of its citizens and provides them with the necessary resources and opportunities for a happy and fulfilling life, the Czech Republic is one of the happiest countries in the world 2025.
19 United States
The U.S. has consistently ranked high on the report, and this year it managed to maintain its position among the top countries. The U.S. is known for its strong economy, high standard of living, and diverse cultural heritage. The country is home to many world-famous landmarks, natural wonders, and cities rich in history.
The residents of the U.S. feel free and trust their government. An excellent social security and health care system are on a high level here. All of these facts make the USA one of the happiest countries in the world 2025.
20 Belgium
According to the World Happiness Report 2025, Belgium is ranked as the 8th happiest country in the world. This small European country is famous for its scenic landscapes and natural beauty, as well as its waffles, beer, and chocolate.
One of the reasons for this high level of happiness is Belgium’s high standard of living. The country has a strong economy, low unemployment, and high GDP per capita. Because of this, most Belgians have access to a comfortable lifestyle, with good health care, education, and a strong social safety net. Therefore, the country’s high standard of living, rich culture and history, and diverse society make it one of the happiest countries in the world.
The World Happiness Report examined 158 countries, so this list of the 20 happiest countries is just a part of a full list. I’m not an expert and can’t tell you exactly what makes these ten counties happy. I aim to let you know that several countries show what happiness is. If you feel unhappy, maybe visiting one of them will help you rethink your life and habits and become a lot happier. Do you live in any of these countries? If not, don’t worry, be proud of the country you live in and do your best to create your own happiness.
