Ukraine has lost 6 positions in the global happiness ranking, falling from 105th place last year to 111th this year. This is stated in the annual World Happiness Report, writes Forbes.ua.
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In the rating of 147 countries, our country received 4.68 points out of 10. Ukraine occupied the highest place in 2012 (87), and the lowest in 2017 (138).
Top 20 Happiest Countries
The top 20 happiest countries include Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico.
The United States finished 24th, missing out on the top 10 for the second time. Afghanistan finished last, followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Poland rose to 26th place, Russia improved its position to 66th, and Moldova dropped to 80th place.
Research has shown that people underestimate the kindness of strangers. An experiment with lost wallets found that they were returned almost twice as often as expected. Experts note that believing in the kindness of others has a stronger effect on happiness than previously thought.
It is noted that people are often pessimistic, although reality turns out to be more positive.
The 2025 report found that in the US and Europe, happiness and trust are declining due to political polarization; shared meals increase well-being; and in Mexico and Europe, the happiest households are those with four to five people. Experts note that happiness is based on trust, kindness, and social connections.
Research methodology
The World Happiness Report is based on the results of a global survey of residents of 147 countries. The happiness rating is formed based on average quality of life assessments for the previous three years – this time for the period from 2022 to 2024.
The report takes into account indicators such as GDP per capita, level of social support, healthy life expectancy, degree of freedom, generosity and corruption.