The 30 happiest countries in the world (the US isn't one of them) -

Some of the entries are not at all surprising. Click to know more.

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Criteria -

The survey took into account six variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

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30. Singapore -

Score: 6.523

Ranking 25th last year, this year Singapore dropped a few positions, coming in 30th in the ranking.

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29. Kosovo -

Score: 6.561

The country makes a fresh entry into the top 30 of the World Happiness Report. Levels of happiness are higher among young people.

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28. Saudi Arabia -

Score: 6.594

Ranking 30th in 2023, this year the Arab nation has claimed the 28th spot.

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27. France -

Score: 6.609

France scores high in most of the report criteria, but nonetheless dropped six positions since 2023.

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26. Uruguay -

Score: 6.611

The South American country just barely made it into the top 30 in 2023, at number 28. This year, it climbed up to the 26th position.

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25. Mexico -

Score: 6.678

The country didn't make it into the top 30 last year, but things are looking better for Mexicans in 2024.

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24. Germany -

Score: 6.719

The country is known for its strong economy, which is why it usually ranks in the top 15. This year, however, it dropped down to number 24.

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23. United States -

Score: 6.725

The North American country dropped a whopping eight positions in comparison to last year. The US has been steadily dropping in the ranking. It's worth remembering that the nation placed 11th in the first World Happiness Report in 2012.

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22. United Arab Emirates -

Score: 6.733

The UAE strengthened its position in the ranking, climbing from number 26 to 22 in 2024. The country even has a ministry dedicated to happiness and well-being.

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21. Slovenia -

Score: 6.743

Coming in at number 21 is this beautiful Eastern European jewel. Slovenia is slowly climbing the ranking and has gone up one from 22nd to 21st in this year's ranking.

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20. United Kingdom -

Score: 6.749

The UK has been consistently dropping in the ranking since 2020. In 2024, the nation dropped yet another position in comparison to last year.

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19. Lithuania -

Score: 6.818

The southernmost Baltic state climbs up one position in relation to last year's ranking.

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18. Czech Republic -

Score: 6.822

The Czech Republic stands firm in 18th place for the world's happiest countries in 2024.

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17. Ireland -

Score: 6.838

The Irish are known to be hospitable, humorous, and friendly. The country is safe overall and has a stable economy.

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16. Belgium -

Score: 6.894

Ranking 17th last year, this year Belgium has climbed up one spot in the ranking.

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15. Canada -

Score: 6.900

Canada went down two positions but remains strong in the middle of the pack. The country's low unemployment rates might have something to do with it.

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14. Austria -

Score: 6.905

Vienna was once voted the best city in the world to live in because of safety and the price of quality housing, according to Mercer's ranking. The country has dropped from the 11th position since last year though, but still ranks a respectable 14th.

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13. Kuwait -

Score: 6.951

Kuwait debuts in this year's top spots of the ranking. Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world.

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12. Costa Rica -

Score: 6.955

The nation's slogan is pura vida, which translates to "pure life." That says something about Costa Rica's way of life indeed.

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11. New Zealand -

Score: 7.029

New Zealand is considered one of the best places in the world to live, by both locals and foreigners.

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10. Australia -

Score: 7.057

Australians are satisfied with their well-being, have jobs, and have a high life expectancy. Incredible beaches also help, right?

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9. Switzerland -

Score: 7.060

In Switzerland, life expectancy goes beyond 80, and its citizens are quite cultured, many speaking several languages (including German, French, and English). It's also one of the most competitive countries in the world.

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8. Luxembourg -

Score: 7.122

This European nation might be small in size, but Luxembourg sure has everything its citizens need, and then some!

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7. Norway -

Score: 7.302

This Northern European country usually places high in the ranking, particularly when it comes to the well-being of its citizens.

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6. Netherlands -

Score: 7.319

Overall, the Netherlands is an open country: it's inclusive of immigrants, has liberal policies, and offers security to its citizens.

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5. Israel -

Score: 7.341  

Israel has a stable and sustainable economy. Most schools are public and offer quality education.

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4. Sweden -

Score: 7.344

The Swedish economy is developed and diversified. Sweden is considered one of the most socially equal nations in the world. The nation climbed up from the 6th position last year.

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3. Iceland -

Score: 7.525

The top three starts with this island nation. The country is known for providing good social support to its citizens, including an affordable healthcare system and free education.

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2. Denmark -

Score: 7.583

Denmark scored high in all criteria, including low corruption and high social trust.

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1. Finland -

Score: 7.741

The nation has topped the ranking for seven years in a row. Surely they must be doing something right!

Sources: (World Happiness Report 2024)

See also: Top tips for a happy retirement

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