Finland Remains World’s Happiest Nation for Ninth Consecutive Year, Norway Sixth

For the ninth year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, according to the 2026 World Happiness Report released on Wednesday. Norway secured sixth place in the rankings, trailing behind Denmark and Iceland.

Key Findings from the 2026 World Happiness Report

The report, compiled by the Institute of Public Health and analyzed by a global research team led by Oxford University, assigns an average happiness score of 7.7 out of 10 to Finland. Denmark and Iceland follow with scores placing them in second and third positions, respectively. Norway achieved a score placing it sixth, alongside Costa Rica.

Afghanistan is at the bottom of the list, with a score of just 1.4.

Global Trends in Happiness

The report indicates an overall increase in quality of life in most countries since 2006–2010, with 79 out of 136 countries showing clear improvement. However, Western industrialized nations have generally experienced a decline in happiness over the past 15-20 years, with 15 countries reporting a significant decrease and only four showing a clear increase.

Concerns for Younger Generations

A particularly concerning trend highlighted in the report is the decline in quality of life among young people under the age of 25 in several Western countries. The USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand rank lowest in terms of happiness development within this age group.

The Impact of Social Media

This year’s report places specific emphasis on the potential effects of social media on the well-being of young people. Research suggests a correlation between heavy social media use and lower life satisfaction, particularly among 15-year-old girls.

Professor Jan-Emmanuel de Neve at Oxford University notes that passively consuming algorithmic content, especially influencer-driven material, appears to have a more negative impact than platforms that facilitate social connection. Researchers emphasize that the relationship between social media and well-being is complex and influenced by broader social conditions.

Finland’s Commitment to Multilateral Cooperation

Finland views the United Nations as the most central channel for multilateral cooperation Ministry for Foreign Affairs. As a UN Member State, Finland is committed to maintaining international peace and security and resolving conflicts peacefully. Finland has been an active participant in UN peacekeeping operations since the late 1950s and is recognized for its significant contributions to international law, disarmament diplomacy, and development cooperation.

Nordic Collaboration on Global Issues

Finland, along with Denmark and Norway, recently announced additional contributions to the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) UNRIC, bringing the fund’s total capitalization to over USD 100 million. This demonstrates a continued commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

Harald Aalde, Senior Adviser at Norway’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, is the national focal point for the United Nations Forum on Forests UNFF.