Nepal rises in the global happiness index
Nepal ranks 92nd in the 2025 World Happiness Index, a global measure of well-being and life satisfaction, as the United Nations celebrates World Happiness Day. Finland remains the happiest country for eight consecutive years, with Nordic nations dominating top positions. Afghanistan and Nepal fall behind, with India and Pakistan leading. Nepal ranks 12th among the world’s most powerful countries, while China ranks 68th, despite economic hardships and political instability. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are ranked 134th and 133rd, respectively, far lower than other South Asian countries. Bhutan and the Maldives, meanwhile, were conspicuously missing from this year’s list.
The Netherlands is in fifth place, followed by Costa Rica in sixth, Israel in eighth, Luxembourg in ninth, and Mexico in tenth. Formerly a top contender in the worldwide happiness rankings, the United States is now ranked 24th, one spot lower than it was in 2024. The report, based on 147 countries’ ratings of quality of life, highlights the importance of sharing resources, social support, and household size in achieving happiness. A survey reveals people in 147 countries are pessimistic about community kindness, with actual return rates being twice as high as expected. This is a strong predictor of population happiness.
