World Happiness Report 2025: India’s Ranking and Key Insights

India ranks 118th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, lower than neighbors like Pakistan and Nepal. The report assesses six factors influencing happiness, with India excelling in social support but struggling with freedom. Finland remains the happiest country, while the US and UK experience declining happiness ranks.

The World Happiness Report 2025, released on March 20, placed India at the 118th position among 147 countries. Compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report reveals that India ranks below its neighbors, with Pakistan at 109, Nepal at 92, and China at 68. In contrast, Finland remains the happiest country, followed by Denmark and Iceland in the top three.

India’s happiness ranking demonstrates significant fluctuations over the years. Although currently at 118, the nation ranked as low as 144 in 2012 but reached its highest point at 94 in 2022, as noted by the Hindustan Times. The report evaluates nations based on social, physical, and emotional support elements, among other factors.

The 2025 study identifies six key components influencing happiness: social support, GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Analysis of emotional experiences in each country was also conducted, highlighting the complexity of happiness.

India scored well in social support due to robust community ties and extended family living arrangements. However, the country received its lowest score in freedom, as this measures individuals’ perceptions of available choices in their lives. The top rankings are primarily held by Western nations, with Costa Rica and Mexico achieving notable rankings in the top 10.

The United States recorded its lowest happiness ranking at 24, while the United Kingdom slid to 23, reflecting trends of increasing unhappiness and loneliness in these regions. These findings stress the varied experiences of happiness across global societies, emphasizing different cultural values and circumstances.

The 2025 World Happiness Report indicates that India ranks 118th, showing fluctuations in happiness indicators over the years. While India exhibits strengths in social support, its low score in freedom suggests challenges in personal fulfillment. In contrast, Finland retains its position as the happiest nation, underscoring differences in societal values and emotional well-being across countries. The varying rankings prompt a deeper consideration of factors influencing happiness globally.

Original Source: www.timesnownews.com