The annual Gallup World Poll, a key component of the World Happiness Report, continually evaluates the happiness levels in various countries. In its 2023 edition, while the top position has remained unchanged for six consecutive editions, there have been notable shifts in the top 10 happiest countries.

Measuring general happiness is inherently challenging, and the World Happiness Report tackles this complexity by assigning scores based on life evaluation data. The evaluation involves a Cantril ladder survey where respondents rate their lives on a scale from zero to 10, with zero representing the worst and 10 the best. Each country’s score is derived from approximately 1,000 survey responses.

The individual score for a country, termed the Average Life Evaluation, is calculated by averaging the ratings given by survey participants in that nation over the past three years.

Among the nations surveyed, Afghanistan consistently emerges as the unhappiest, holding a score of 1.859. In comparison, the UK secures the 19th position with a score of 6.796, and the US ranks 15th with a score of 6.894. The question that remains: which country claims the title of the happiest?

10. New Zealand

In the 2023 World Happiness Report, New Zealand claims the tenth spot as one of the happiest countries with an impressive score of 7.123. Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year that New Zealand has secured the tenth position.

As one of only two countries outside of Europe in this prestigious list, New Zealand is renowned for serving as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Adding to its uniqueness, the island nation stands apart by not being in close proximity to any other country. Its nearest neighbor, New Caledonia, is situated 2,248km away.

9. Luxembourg

Securing the ninth position in the 2023 World Happiness Report, Luxembourg boasts a notable score of 7.228. While this small European nation had previously held the sixth spot in 2022, it has experienced a slight drop, slipping three places this year.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg is a landlocked country, sharing borders with Germany, Belgium, and France. Despite its diminutive size, with a population of just 655,112 people according to the UN, Luxembourg is the smallest country on this happiness list in terms of total area, spanning only 2,586km².

8. Switzerland

Claiming the eighth spot in the 2023 World Happiness Report, Switzerland holds a score of 7.240. Notably, this marks the most significant decline in happiness within the top ten, as Switzerland had previously secured the fourth position in 2022.

Similar to Luxembourg, Switzerland is a landlocked country renowned for its breathtaking mountains, ski resorts, delectable chocolate, and renowned banks. Adding to its uniqueness, the neutral nation embraces four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

7. Norway

Securing the seventh position in the 2023 World Happiness Report, Norway achieves an impressive score of 7.315. Notably, this year’s report reflects a positive shift for Norway, as it ascends one place from its eighth position in 2022.

Norway, the first of the Scandinavian nations to be featured in this list, shares an extensive border with Sweden. Renowned for its stunning fjords and captivating northern lights, Norway stands out as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the globe.

6. Sweden

Securing the sixth position in the 2023 World Happiness Report, Sweden boasts a commendable score of 7.395. Notably, this Scandinavian nation has experienced an upward shift, climbing one place from its seventh position in 2022.

Renowned for contributing to the world with iconic entities like ABBA, Ikea, and numerous outstanding metal bands, Sweden is also celebrated for its abundant forests and lakes. With nearly 100,000 lakes spread across the nation, it’s estimated that approximately 70 percent of Sweden’s land area is enveloped in forests and woods.

5. Netherlands

Securing the fifth position in the 2023 World Happiness Report, the Netherlands impresses with a notable score of 7.403. Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year that the nation has earned a spot in the top five.

Renowned for its iconic windmills, traditional clogs, and vibrant fields of multi-colored poppies, the Netherlands holds a distinct charm. Adding to its significance, the nation is home to both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, both situated in The Hague.

4. Israel

Attaining the fourth position in the 2023 World Happiness Report, Israel showcases a commendable score of 7.473. Notably, the nation has experienced a significant ascent, progressing from the ninth to the fourth spot in the top ten since the 2022 edition of the report.

Noteworthy for its surprising inclusion in the top ten, Israel faces various diplomatic challenges and stands as one of only two nations outside of Europe within this distinguished list.

3. Iceland

Securing the third position in the 2023 World Happiness Report, Iceland earns a remarkable score of 7.530. Impressively, this marks the second consecutive year that Iceland has been accorded the prestigious third place.

Being the smallest country on this list in terms of population, Iceland is home to just 375,436 residents on the island nation. Renowned for its captivating geysers, frequent volcanic eruptions, and contributions to the world, including the iconic musician Björk, Iceland stands out as a unique and culturally rich destination.

2. Denmark

Securing the second position on the global happiness scale, Denmark boasts an impressive score of 7.586, as revealed by the World Happiness Report. Notably, this marks the fourth consecutive year that Denmark has been recognized as the second-happiest country worldwide.

Adding to the prominence of Scandinavian nations in the top ten happiest countries on Earth, Denmark holds a unique status as a founding member of several pivotal global organizations. Among these are NATO, the UN, Nordic Council, OECD, and OSCE, underscoring Denmark’s significant contributions to international cooperation and diplomacy.

1. Finland

For the sixth consecutive year, Finland proudly claims the title of the world’s happiest country, as per the World Happiness Report 2023. With an impressive overall score of 7.804, Finland continues to lead the global happiness index.

Renowned for being the homeland of Santa Claus and reindeer, Finland’s cultural uniqueness extends to its global reputation for a profound love of saunas. The country’s landscape is dominated by forests, encompassing approximately 74% of its territory. This continued recognition reinforces Finland’s commitment to fostering well-being and contentment among its residents.