• The U.S. ranked 24th in the World Happiness Report 2025, its lowest position ever.
• Finland retains its title as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year.
• Factors contributing to the U.S. decline include increased social isolation and a growing number of Americans eating alone.

Despite its status as one of the world's largest economies, the United States recently fell to 24th place in the World Happiness Report 2025, marking its lowest position in the report's 13-year history. According to the findings published to align with the UN's International Day of Happiness, Finland remains the happiest country globally for the eighth consecutive year, with consistently high rankings for other Nordic nations such as Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The report is a collaborative effort by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford and Gallup, utilizing a range of metrics to evaluate self-reported life satisfaction among adults across 147 countries. This year's report highlights the troubling trend in the U.S. of rising social isolation, particularly among younger demographics. It reveals that approximately one in four Americans reported consuming all their meals alone in the previous day, signifying a 53% increase in solitary dining over the past two decades. A notable comment from the report posits, "Dining alone is not good for your wellbeing" and emphasizes that individuals who frequently share meals tend to report higher levels of happiness. Experts have pointed to the interplay between increased loneliness and a decline in overall life satisfaction, linking it to broader societal challenges, including reduced workplace productivity and community involvement. The U.S. has witnessed a steady decline in its happiness rankings since peaking at 11th place in 2012. Current data indicates that the country has faced consistent downward movement, with previous rankings at 18th in 2020, 16th in 2022, and 23rd in 2024. Comparatively, Finland scored an average satisfaction rating of 7.7, while the U.S. only managed a 6.7. The report illustrates that many respondents believe that personal connections and social support are integral to happiness, suggesting that trust and shared experiences could be pivotal in improving well-being. Interestingly, both Costa Rica and Mexico made their way into the top 10 for the first time, seizing the 6th and 10th spots respectively. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan continues to be the unhappiest country globally. The report's findings indicate a decline in perceived trust and a rise in political polarization in the U.S., suggesting that these factors have contributed to voting patterns against established systems. The experts emphasized that the drive towards kindness and a sense of community must be revisited to foster stronger social bonds. While an increase in “deaths of despair”—preventable fatalities from suicide and substance abuse—were also noted as alarming trends in U.S. society, the study emphasizes a growing disconnect among younger citizens. Those under 30 ranked the country significantly lower at 62nd, reflecting feelings of less support, fear regarding life choices, and skepticism about their future. Discussions around addressing these issues focus heavily on the need for policies targeting social engagement and mental health improvements. For more detailed insights, you can view the full report on Business Insider, CBS News, and Newsweek.