Finland ranks happiest country, Mexico debuts in top ten

The World Happiness Report 2025 has declared Finland the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden following in the top four positions. The report, published by the University of Oxford, highlights that happiness is influenced by trust, social connections, and support rather than just wealth. Interestingly, Costa Rica and Mexico made their debut in the top ten, ranking sixth and tenth respectively. The study indicates that acts of kindness and community generosity, although diminished since the COVID-19 pandemic, are critical for collective happiness. Additionally, the findings suggest that people's beliefs about the kindness of others are often overly pessimistic, as actual rates of wallet return are significantly higher than expected. Overall, the report underscores the importance of nurturing relationships and community ties for enhancing well-being.