How the World Measures Happiness: What the 2025 Report Reveals About Living Well

What if we told you there's a global report that ranks happiness—not by how much money people make or how many hours they work, but by how connected, cared for, and content they feel in everyday life?

Yep, it exists—and it's kind of a big deal.

Each year, just in time for the United Nations International Day of Happiness (March 20th), the World Happiness Report is released. It's a powerful check-in with the world, asking one essential question: How happy are we, really? The 2025 edition is full of insights into what makes life meaningful—and how we can build a better, more connected future.

The Well-being Research Centre at the University of Oxford creates the report with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an international team of happiness and well-being researchers. Now in its 13th year, it's a trusted resource for governments, educators, workplaces, and individuals who believe human flourishing should be at the heart of progress.

At Mingle & Marvel, we're one of them. To us, happiness isn't just a goal—it's a way of life grounded in purpose, meaningful connection, and the resilience to navigate life's ups and downs.

Why It Matters

This isn't just about smiles or sunny skies. The report dives deep into the key building blocks of a fulfilling life: social support, trust in institutions, personal freedom, generosity, and mental well-being. In a world where it's easy to get caught up in productivity and performance, this research reminds us that what really matters is how people feel about their lives.

We love this because happiness isn't fluffy—it's foundational. The more we understand what supports it, the more we can build meaningful, resilient, and connected lives and communities.

Key Findings from the 2025 Report

Finland: Still #1—and Here's Why

For the eighth year in a row, Finland holds the top spot as the happiest country in the world. But the secret to their success isn't perfection—it's perspective. Finnish society places high value on trust in institutions, low levels of corruption, and a strong social safety net, which gives people a deep sense of security and equality. Add to that a culture that emphasizes work-life balance, freedom to make life choices, and supportive communities, and you start to see why so many Finns report high life satisfaction.

Another key to their well-being? Nature and enoughness. With endless forests, pristine lakes, and a national love for the outdoors, Finnish life is deeply connected to the natural world—something proven to reduce stress and boost well-being. However, perhaps the most impactful is the cultural mindset of contentment. Rather than chasing constant achievement or accumulation, there's a calm, grounded belief in having enough. It's a beautiful reminder that happiness often thrives in simplicity, balance, and shared humanity—something we at Mingle & Marvel hold at the heart of everything we do.

Looking at the rest of the top 10—which includes Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway,  Israel, Luxembourg, and Mexico—a few common themes emerge: trust in others, access to high-quality healthcare and education, low inequality, and a strong sense of social cohesion. These countries prioritize economic opportunity, mental health, sustainability, and belonging—proving that the happiest places on Earth invest in people, not just profit.

Canada Stands Out in the G7

Canada is the only G7 country to make the top 20, landing at #18 in the 2025 World Happiness Report—down three spots from 2024 but still standing strong. That's no small accomplishment when you consider that other major G7 nations—like the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Japan—have all slipped even further down the rankings.

Connection is Everything—Especially for Young Adults.

A striking takeaway from this year's report is that young people are struggling more than ever with loneliness and disconnection, mainly in high-income countries. The happiest young adults have strong social ties, regular face-to-face interactions, and a sense of belonging. 

Whether you're 18 or 80, social connection is a vital pillar of happiness. And in our increasingly digital world, we need to intentionally create moments to gather, share, and be seen.

Eating Together = Feeling Better.

One heartwarming highlight is that people who eat meals with others are significantly happier than those who eat alone. Whether it's with friends, family, or even co-workers, shared meals build emotional connections and increase feelings of safety and support.

It's a beautiful reminder that happiness often begins at the table—with conversation, eye contact, and laughter over something warm and delicious.

Trust and Kindness Are Stronger Than We Think

Despite the challenges of recent years, the report shows that people are more kind and trusting than we might assume. Acts of generosity, helping strangers, and volunteering are rising globally.

And here's the best part: feeling trusted and being kind significantly boosts well-being. The more we lean into compassion, the more we all rise.

Happiness and Household Size

The report also explores how household size impacts well-being. People living in households of around 4 to 5 members—whether that includes family, friends, or chosen community—tend to report higher levels of happiness. These living arrangements strike a healthy balance between closeness and autonomy, offering daily emotional support and shared responsibilities without the stress of overcrowding. It's another sign that meaningful relationships and a sense of daily togetherness are key ingredients for a flourishing life.

From Insight to Action

We see this report not as a scorecard—but as a guidebook for human flourishing. It validates what we guide and teach daily: happiness isn't found in things—it's built through meaningful action—rooted in relationships, values, and small everyday choices that make life feel whole.

So, as we reflect on the 2025 report, here are a few simple actions we can take to support our well-being and that of others:

• Invite someone to dinner.

• Reach out to a friend.

• Say hello to a stranger.

• Choose trust over fear.

• Be kind—even when it's hard.

• Take a walk without your phone and notice what's around you.

• Ask someone how they're really doing—and listen with presence.

Because the data is clear: we're wired for connection, and when we turn insight into action, happiness follows.

So, what's one small step you can take today to support your well-being—or someone else's?

If you want to read the full report, you can access it HERE.