WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This year’s World Happiness Report not only reveals which country is the happiest in the world but also underscores the power of kindness: New evidence shows acts of generosity and the belief in others’ goodwill are significant predictors of happiness, even more so than earning a higher salary.
These findings couldn’t come at a more important time. Gallup trends show that acts of benevolence -- helping a stranger, volunteering time and donating money -- have dropped significantly from their pandemic-era peak. Though still higher than pre-pandemic levels, the sudden drop-off in these behaviors raises questions about where these trends might be headed.
And the Happiest Country in the World Is …
In the latest happiness rankings, Nordic countries continue to dominate the top spots, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden maintaining their positions as the happiest countries in the world. Finland remains in a league of its own, followed by Denmark and Iceland, which are closely grouped together, and Sweden rounding out the top four.
This year's top 10 countries also include Costa Rica and Mexico from Latin America and Israel from the Middle East. Notably, after falling out of the top 20 for the first time last year, the U.S. has not returned. In general, 15 Western industrial countries are now less happy than they were between 2005 and 2010. The U.S., Switzerland and Canada are among the biggest losers.
Why Kindness Matters More Than Ever
Beyond these rankings, the most recent report focuses on the effect that caring and sharing have on people’s happiness. Despite the rise in generosity during the COVID-19 pandemic, acts of kindness -- helping a stranger, volunteering and donating -- have lost their momentum. This matters to the world’s future wellbeing because individually, and taken together, these behaviors are all key drivers of happiness.
One of the report’s most striking revelations is that being kind and expecting kindness from others -- believing that your wallet would be returned if you lost it -- are stronger predictors of happiness than avoiding major negative events like crime or economic hardship. In other words, believing in the goodwill of those around us can have a bigger impact on our wellbeing than earning a higher salary.
Furthermore, countries where people expect their lost wallets to be returned -- like the Nordic nations -- rank highest in happiness. The simple belief that others will act with honesty and decency contributes to greater overall life satisfaction. Trust in others is a happiness multiplier.
The Power of Benevolence: A Proven Path to Wellbeing
These findings reaffirm what social scientists have long suggested: Benevolence benefits both the giver and the receiver. Engaging in acts of kindness provides a psychological boost and creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same.
People who regularly engage in benevolent acts -- such as helping a stranger, volunteering or donating -- report higher life satisfaction than those who don’t. But the benefits aren’t just about feeling good in the moment. Long-term studies show that sustained acts of generosity lead to improved mental and physical health, stronger social connections, and even longer lifespans.
But benevolent actions could deliver even more benefits if they involve what the World Happiness Report refers to as the “three Cs” -- caring connections, choice, and a clear positive impact.
- Caring connections: When people feel socially connected through their giving, the happiness effect is amplified. Simply put, giving is more fulfilling when it strengthens relationships.
- Choice: The wellbeing boost is greater when individuals freely choose how to help others rather than feeling obligated to do so.
- Clear positive impact: Knowing that one’s generosity is making a tangible difference enhances the emotional rewards of giving.
Final Thoughts
People who help others and expect kindness from others are happier. And at a time when benevolence is waning, we need it now more than ever.
A happier world might be simpler than we think: Choose kindness. Give generously. Trust more. Our happiness -- and the happiness of those around us -- depends on it.
To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on X @Gallup.
