Every year, the World Happiness Report reveals which countries lead in overall happiness, and for the ninth year in a row, Finland has claimed the top spot.

The Nordic countries continue to dominate the rankings, with Iceland and Denmark securing second and third place.

Costa Rica stands out in fourth place, steadily improving in recent years and often surprising observers outside the region. Sweden and Norway, Finland’s neighbors, follow closely in sixth and seventh positions.

Despite the stereotype of Czechs as chronic complainers, the Czech Republic is holding its ground. Out of 147 countries, it ranks 20th globally, the same as last year, showing that contentment is achievable even in nations known for their critical outlook.

The World Happiness Report considers multiple factors when calculating the satisfaction index, including life expectancy, GDP per capita, perceived corruption, and trust in institutions. Citizens’ subjective feelings about their life quality are also central to the ranking.

While the happiest nations cluster in Northern Europe and parts of Latin America, the report highlights regions facing severe challenges. Afghanistan, under Taliban rule for several years, ranks lowest at 147th.

Other countries with limited resources and difficult living conditions, including Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, occupy the bottom spots.

Here’s a quick look at the top 20 countries for happiness according to the 2026 report:

• Finland 7.764
• Iceland 7.540
• Denmark 7.539
• Costa Rica 7.439
• Sweden 7.255
• Norway 7.242
• Netherlands 7.223
• Israel 7.187
• Luxembourg 7.063
• Switzerland 7.018
• New Zealand 6.995
• Mexico 6.972
• Ireland 6.928
• Belgium 6.926
• Australia 6.916
• Kosovo 6.910
• Germany 6.882
• Slovenia 6.868
• Austria 6.845
• Czech Republic 6.821

At the other end of the scale, the countries with the lowest happiness scores include Afghanistan (1.446), Sierra Leone (3.251), Malawi (3.284), Zimbabwe (3.346), and Botswana (3.464).

The World Happiness Report is published annually by Oxford University’s Centre for the Study of Quality of Life, providing a snapshot of global well-being and trends that influence people’s daily lives.

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