Key Findings

  • Finland tops the list for the 9th consecutive year.
  • Iceland (2nd) and Denmark (3rd) follow the Nordic trio.
  • Costa Rica jumps to 4th (was 23rd in 2023).
  • Israel ranks 8th.
  • Afghanistan remains the unhappiest (147th), followed by Sierra Leone (146th) and Malawi (145th).

Rankings of Major Groups

  • BRICS: China 65th, Russia 79th, Iran 97th.
  • Anglosphere: No English‑speaking country in the Top 10 for the second year. Notable positions – New Zealand 11th, Ireland 13th, Australia 15th, United States 23rd, Canada 25th, United Kingdom 29th.

India’s Performance

  • India: 116th out of 147 (up from 118 in 2025).
  • Neighbouring rankings: Nepal 99th, Pakistan 104th (higher than India); Bangladesh 127th, Sri Lanka 134th (lower).

Measurement Criteria

  • Life evaluation: Cantril Ladder (self‑reported score 0‑10).
  • Six variables influencing the score:
  1. GDP per capita
  2. Social support
  3. Healthy life expectancy
  4. Freedom to make life choices
  5. Generosity
  6. Perceptions of corruption

Social‑Media “Goldilocks” Rule

  • Moderate use (< 1 hour/day) improves well‑being compared to zero use.
  • Global average: 2.5 hours/day, entering the “harmful” zone.
  • Passive/Visual platforms (Instagram, TikTok) → higher social comparison, lower satisfaction.
  • Communication platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook) → linked to higher life satisfaction in Latin America & the Middle East.

International Day of Happiness

  • Established by the United Nations in 2012; observed on 20 March.
  • Date chosen for the vernal equinox, symbolising equality and balance.
  • Bhutan pioneered the concept, promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP.

Significance for India & Governance

  • Aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health & Well‑being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
  • Provides a multidimensional metric for policy evaluation beyond GDP – useful for National Development Plans, state‑level well‑being indices, and budget allocations.
  • Resonates with Article 21 of the Constitution (right to life and personal liberty) and the Right to Health jurisprudence, expanding the interpretation to include mental and social well‑being.
  • Encourages policy shifts towards social support, corruption control, and freedom of choice – areas highlighted in the report.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 21 – Right to life includes the right to live with dignity and well‑being.
  • National Education Policy 2020 – Emphasises holistic development and mental health.
  • UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) – Partner in the report, guiding India’s SDG implementation.

Prepared for UPSC aspirants – focus on factual data, analytical linkages, and policy implications.