These Are the Happiest Countries in the World for 2025

This global UN survey takes into account various comparable factors, from national economic success to personal wellbeing, and is regarded as the best measure of world happiness. The results for 2025 are especially interesting given the impact of the global conflicts, economic uncertainty and general malaise in many aspects of our day to day lives. Having visited all the Nordic countries in the last 5 years, I can see why many people who live here have found inner peace and outward relaxation.

Finland comes out on top again, holding on to the top ranking for the eighth year in a row. Fellow Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland and Sweden take up the next 3 spots with the Netherlands rounding out the top 5. People who participated in the survey shared how their emotions had changed on a daily basis because of the effects of coronavirus, but their overall sentiments remained relatively constant. The happiest countries had great trust in their governments, something that saw European nations performing well. Mexico and Costa Rica did well in the wider list with Norway making sure every major country in the Nordic block was well represented. again.

Here’s the top 5 for 2025. As you can see, Europe dominates the list, making up all but one of the entries; Nordic countries are also well represented.

Finland
Denmark
Iceland
Sweden
Netherlands

Even though it is hard to define, happiness seems easier to come by in the Nordic countries. These nations consistently market themselves as the happiest places on earth, and these results (as well as other surveys) always rank the likes of Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway highly.

Travellers often place these countries on their own travel wish lists. Finland has a small population in comparison to its large landmass, which rewards anyone looking for open air and seclusion. There are some incredible places to stay throughout the country, from boutique hotels in the capital Helsinki to remote lodges in the northern territories in and around Lapland.

Finland is also known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes (although in reality there are many more than 1,000 lakes across the country), and close proximity to bodies of water where locals can fish, swim and relax is regularly cited by Finns as one of the reasons they are so happy. The Finnish are also among the biggest coffee drinkers in the world, and they have more saunas than cars. We’re not sure whether that is relevant to overall happiness, but it doesn’t seem to hurt.

Winters can be tough here, but the country seems to have adapted better than most to the colder conditions. Magical snowfalls, alluring northern lights and cosy nights by the fire have made Finland a destination everyone want to experience in winter. The food exceptional with fresh ingredients and lean cuisine prioritised over processed purchases. The people are generally very friendly, and they absolutely love sauna culture here!