Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the latest World Happiness Report. The Nordic nation attributes its success to a robust welfare system and the natural beauty of its landscapes, including expansive lakes. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden also maintained spots among the top 10 happiest countries.
The report, which evaluates life satisfaction based on various factors such as GDP per capita, social support, and corruption levels, noted a significant change for the United States. The U.S. fell to 24th place, its lowest position since the rankings began in 2012. A notable factor contributing to this decline is a rise in Americans dining alone, which is linked to decreased well-being. Moreover, the country has observed an increase in “deaths of despair” due to suicide or substance abuse.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains the world’s unhappiest country due to ongoing humanitarian challenges. In a shift within the top rankings, Costa Rica and Mexico have entered the top 10 for the first time, highlighting growing satisfaction in those regions.
Overall, the report emphasizes the impact of social connections and community generosity, suggesting these contribute significantly to national happiness levels. Nordic countries, including Finland, rank highly for the expected and actual return of lost wallets, further reflecting community trust and cohesion.
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