In News:

The World Happiness Report (WHR) 2025 was released on 20th March (World Happiness Day) by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN).

India’s Performance:

• India’s Rank (2025):118th out of 147 countries (Improved from 126th in 2024).
  • Sub-Indicator Performance:
    • Donations: 57th
    • Volunteering: 10th
    • Helping a Stranger: 74th
    • Wallet Return Probability:
      • 115th (by neighbor)
      • 86th (by stranger)
      • 93rd (by police)
• Happiness Score: Increased from 4.054 (2021–23) to 4.389 (2022–24).
• Rank among Neighbors:
  • Nepal: 92nd
  • Pakistan: 109th
  • Myanmar: 126th
  • Sri Lanka: 133rd
  • Bangladesh: 134th

Top 10 Happiest Countries (2025):

1. Finland (8th consecutive year)
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Israel
6. Costa Rica (new entrant)
7. Netherlands
8. Norway
9. Luxembourg
10. Mexico(new entrant)

Least Happy Countries (Bottom 5):

• 147th: Afghanistan (4th consecutive year as lowest)
• 146th: Sierra Leone
• 145th: Lebanon
• 144th: Malawi
• 143rd: Zimbabwe

About the Report:

• Purpose: Measures global well-being through life evaluations and promotes policy focus on happiness, mental health, and quality of life over mere economic growth.
• Methodology:
  • Based on Gallup World Poll (2022–2024 data).
  • Uses Cantril Ladder Scale (0–10) for life evaluation.
  • Six Key Indicators:
    1. GDP per capita
    2. Healthy life expectancy
    3. Social support
    4. Freedom to make life choices
    5. Generosity
    6. Perception of corruption

Global Trends in Happiness (2025):

• Nordic Dominance: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden occupy top ranks.
• Decline in Western Countries:
  • USA: 24th (down from 11th in 2012)
  • UK: 23rd (lowest since 2017)
  • Rising loneliness and social isolation major causes.
• Israel (5th): Maintained high rank despite ongoing conflict.
• Social Support Decline: 19% of young adults globally report having no one to rely on.

Special Focus: India vs Pakistan – The Paradox

Despite India’s:

• Higher GDP per capita ($2,480.8 vs Pakistan’s $1,365.3),
• Better health indicators (life expectancy: 58.1 vs 56.9),
• Better corruption perception rank (India: 96th, Pakistan: 135th),

India still ranks lower in happiness.

Reason: Low scores in perceived freedom and individual life satisfaction.

World Happiness Day:

• Observed on: 20th March
• Initiated by: Bhutan, which pioneered the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
• Adopted by UNGA: July 2012
• Theme 2025:"Caring and Sharing"