Pakistan’s ranking in the World Happiness Report 2025 has declined slightly, dropping one position to 109 from last year’s 108. Despite this, the country remains ahead of its regional neighbors, India and Afghanistan.
Released on Thursday by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report ranks India at 118 and Afghanistan at 147. Among other South Asian nations, Bangladesh is positioned at 133, Sri Lanka at 134, and Iran at 99. China holds the highest rank in the region at 27.
Iran, which hosts a refugee population of 3.9%, is ranked higher than Pakistan. Other nations significantly impacted by refugee influxes include Lebanon (1), Jordan (2), Montenegro (3), Turkey (4), and Czechia (5).
Finland continues to be the world’s happiest country, followed by Denmark and Iceland. Other nations in the top 15 include Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Belgium, and Ireland.
The report evaluates over 147 countries, placing Sierra Leone at 142, Lebanon at 143, Malawi at 144, and Zimbabwe also at 143 among the least happy nations.
The United States has seen its lowest ranking to date, dropping to 24 due to increasing levels of unhappiness and loneliness. Similarly, the United Kingdom stands at 23, marking its lowest ranking since 2017.
The study measures happiness based on factors such as social support, income levels, freedom, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption. The 2025 report particularly highlights the role of “caring and sharing” in shaping people’s overall satisfaction and well-being.
