Discover the World’s Happiest Nations in 2024

In 2012, the United Nations established March 20 as the International Day of Happiness. Now, twelve years later, the 2024 World Happiness Report has just published its latest rankings, focusing on the joy experienced by individuals at various stages of life.

No matter your age, these countries boast the highest self-rated happiness and life satisfaction among their residents.

Which country holds the title of the happiest in the world?

According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Finland retains its title as the happiest country globally for the seventh consecutive year. Following Finland are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, and the Netherlands, as revealed in the annual survey released on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, which ranks countries based on their citizens' perceived happiness. Other European nations, such as Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, also feature prominently in the top 10. (It is important to note that the survey in Israel was conducted after the October 7, 2023 attacks but prior to the escalation of conflict, as stated in the report.)

Australia is the only country outside of Europe, alongside Israel, to secure a spot in the top 10 for 2024, landing in 10th place. The United States has seen a significant decline, falling to 23rd from last year's 15th position, while the United Kingdom slipped one spot to 20th.

What contributes to Finnish happiness?

According to Heli Jimenez, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland, which operates under the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Finnish happiness is rooted in simple pleasures: connecting with nature, taking care of one's mental and physical health, and valuing the art and design that surrounds us. True happiness can be experienced in moments of sheer joy, whether it’s cycling through a serene forest with a great playlist or enjoying a post-sauna sausage on a lovely summer evening.

The World Happiness Report primarily derives its yearly rankings from responses to the key life evaluation question in the Gallup World Poll.

In this survey, participants are prompted to evaluate their lives on a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 signifies the best possible life they envision, and 0 indicates the worst. This year’s top 10 countries scored between Australia’s 7.057 and Finland’s leading score of 7.741, while Afghanistan recorded the lowest score at 1.721.

The findings are derived solely from individuals' self-reported satisfaction levels. According to the World Happiness Report, several factors that enhance these life evaluations in each nation include a higher GDP per capita, robust social support systems, increased life expectancy, greater personal freedom, minimal government and corporate corruption, and a culture of charitable donations.

The rankings vary significantly between younger and older populations. In countries like the United States and Canada, those aged 60 and above have rankings that are more than 50 places higher than those under 30. Conversely, in many regions of Central and Eastern Europe, younger individuals often rank over 40 places higher than their older counterparts. The Happiness Report highlights that in nearly every part of the world, social interactions contribute to happiness by enhancing social support and decreasing feelings of loneliness.

The top 30 happiest countries worldwide for 2024

If you seek travel inspiration and are drawn to destinations where happiness flourishes, check out the 30 happiest countries in the world, as highlighted in the 2024 World Happiness Report.

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Israel
6. Netherlands
7. Norway
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Australia
11. New Zealand
12. Costa Rica
13. Kuwait
14. Austria
15. Canada
16. Belgium
17. Ireland
18. Czechia
19. Lithuania
20. United Kingdom
21. Slovenia
22. United Arab Emirates
23. United States
24. Germany
25. Mexico
26. Uruguay
27. France
28. Saudi Arabia
29. Kosovo
30. Singapore

Can visiting the happiest country in the world enhance your joy?

In Finland, there is a popular notion that happiness is a skill that can be cultivated. This belief is promoted by the tourism organization Visit Finland, which has launched a new five-day urban adventure called Helsinki Happiness Hacks, available for free to select participants.

Those interested in joining this initiative have until April 4, 2024, to apply. Visit Finland will then choose a lucky group of travelers to visit Helsinki and learn "new happiness hacks" they can integrate into their daily lives—at no cost. To qualify, applicants must complete a social media challenge along with an online form.

From June 9 to 14, 2024, a team of "Helsinki Happiness Hackers" will lead participants in discovering the secrets behind the happiness of the city's residents, focusing on four key areas: nature and lifestyle, health and balance, food and well-being, and design.

The welcoming locals, vibrant culture, lively coffee scenes, and abundant access to nature make Finland an excellent destination for those seeking to enhance their travel joy.

Art and culture enthusiasts will be delighted to visit Helsinki’s array of museums. Recently, the city welcomed Amos Rex, a premier contemporary art museum, and Oodi, a cutting-edge public library designed to serve as the country’s “living room.”

If outdoor activities bring you happiness, Finland has an abundance to offer. Like many of their Nordic neighbors, Finns maintain a deep connection to nature and enjoy the outdoors even during the coldest months. The country boasts numerous islands, many of which provide a serene escape. For ultimate relaxation, Finland features over 3 million saunas.

This article was first published in March 2019 and was most recently updated on March 20, 2024, to reflect the latest information.