Nordic Nations Dominate World Happiness Report for 2026
For the seventh consecutive year, Nordic countries have claimed the top spots in the World Happiness Report, solidifying their reputation as some of the most livable places on Earth. The 2026 report, released by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, reveals Finland, Iceland, and Denmark securing the first three positions, respectively.
Key Findings from the 2026 Report
Costa Rica marked a significant milestone, rising to fourth place and becoming the first Latin American country to enter the top five. This represents the highest ranking ever achieved by a nation from the region.
Across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, New Zealand and Australia demonstrated strong performance, ranking 11th and 15th, respectively. Within Asia, Taiwan led at 26th, followed by Singapore (36th) and Vietnam (45th) among the global top 50.
However, Hong Kong continued a downward trend, falling two places to 90th in the rankings.
The Impact of Social Media on Wellbeing
A key focus of this year’s report was the growing influence of social media on happiness and overall wellbeing, particularly among young people. The findings indicate a correlation between high levels of internet usage and lower life satisfaction, a trend most pronounced among girls and in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Despite these concerns, the report also acknowledges the potential benefits of internet leverage, including fostering trust, perceived social activity, and social connection.
World Happiness Rankings – Top 10 (2026)
- Finland
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Costa Rica
- Sweden
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
APAC Happiness Rankings (2026)
- 11th – New Zealand
- 15th – Australia
- 26th – Taiwan Province of China
- 36th – Singapore
- 45th – Vietnam
- 52nd – Thailand
- 56th – Philippines
- 61st – Japan
- 65th – China
- 67th – Republic of Korea
- 71st – Malaysia
- 75th – Mongolia
- 87th – Indonesia
- 90th – Hong Kong SAR of China
- 92nd – Lao PDR
- 99th – Nepal
- 104th – Pakistan
- 116th – India
- 121st – Cambodia
- 127th – Bangladesh
- 129th – Myanmar
- 134th – Sri Lanka
- 147th – Afghanistan
Nordic Countries: A Shared Identity
The Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – share a common way of life, rooted in similar histories, religions, and social and economic models Nordic Countries – Wikipedia. This shared cultural heritage contributes to the consistently high levels of happiness reported across the region. The region also includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and the autonomous region of Åland.
Looking Ahead
The World Happiness Report continues to provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to wellbeing around the globe. As societies grapple with the evolving impact of technology and social change, understanding these drivers of happiness will be crucial for building a more fulfilling future for all.