Our happiness depends on kindness and connections with other people

The World Happiness Report 2025, released today to coincide with the UN’s International Day of Happiness, reveals that people are generally kinder than commonly perceived, and that social connections play a pivotal role in determining how happy we are. The report highlights a significant disparity between perceived and actual acts of kindness within communities. Global studies on the return of lost wallets indicate that actual return rates are approximately double what people anticipate. This suggests that communities are more benevolent than individuals often believe, and recognising this kindness is strongly associated with higher happiness levels.

The research emphasises the importance of social interactions in enhancing wellbeing. Regularly sharing meals with others is linked to increased happiness across all global regions. However, in the United States, the prevalence of individuals dining alone has surged by 53 percent over the past two decades, potentially impacting national wellbeing. Household size also plays a crucial role in happiness levels. In regions like Mexico and Europe, households comprising four to five members report the highest levels of happiness. Conversely, a growing number of Europeans are living alone, which may negatively affect their overall wellbeing. Alarmingly, 19 percent of young adults globally reported lacking reliable social support in 2023, marking a 39 percent increase since 2006.

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland (Helsinki, pictured) has been ranked as the world’s happiest country, with an average life evaluation score of 7.736 out of 10. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden follow closely, maintaining strong positions in the top five. Costa Rica and Mexico have entered the top ten for the first time, reflecting rising happiness levels in these nations. The United Kingdom has slipped to 23rd place, recording its lowest average life evaluation since 2017. The United States has also experienced a decline, falling to its lowest-ever position at 24th. Factors contributing to these declines include reduced social trust and increased political polarisation.

Professor Lara B. Aknin, an editor of the report, emphasised the role of social relationships in happiness, stating that human happiness is driven by relationships with others and that investing in positive social connections and engaging in benevolent actions are both strongly linked to greater happiness. Economist John F. Helliwell highlighted the significance of community trust, noting that the wallet return data confirms that people are much happier living in places where they believe others care about each other.

The authors of the World Happiness Report argue that kindness and social connections have a profound impact on our happiness. Recognising and fostering benevolence within communities, alongside strengthening social bonds, emerge as essential strategies for enhancing collective wellbeing. The full report is accessible at worldhappiness.report.