Finland once again led the world in happiness, even as heavy social media use has harmed young people’s well‑being globally, the World Happiness Report 2026 said on Thursday.
Produced by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations, the report found life satisfaction among people under 25 in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand has dropped sharply over the past decade. The findings are based on surveys of about 100,000 people across 140 countries.
Some young people would rather nobody used social media
The report links heavy social media use to declining well‑being among young people, particularly teenage girls in English‑speaking and Western European countries. Governments are increasingly weighing restrictions on minors’ social media access.
Researchers noted that very extensive social media use — especially more than seven hours a day — is associated with lower well‑being. Algorithm‑driven, image‑focused platforms and influencer content were highlighted as important contributors. The report also said many US college students wish social media platforms did not exist: they use them because others do, but would prefer if no one did.
Interestingly, those who used social media for under an hour a day were more likely to report higher well‑being than people who did not use social media at all.
Finland tops happiness index
World Happiness Report 2026 — Top 10:
1. Finland
2. Iceland
3. Denmark
4. Costa Rica
5. Sweden
6. Norway
7. Netherlands
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Switzerland
Notable entries:
– 17. Germany
– 23. United States
– 65. China
– 97. Iran
– 104. Pakistan
– 106. Nigeria
– 116. India
Least happy countries:
– 147. Afghanistan
– 146. Sierra Leone
– 145. Malawi
– 144. Zimbabwe
– 143. Botswana
Finland was the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with Nordic nations dominating the top ranks. The report attributes this dominance to factors such as wealth, equality, robust welfare systems and high life expectancy. Costa Rica’s rise to fourth place was linked to strong social and family ties. Afghanistan remained the lowest‑ranked country, alongside Sierra Leone and Malawi.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko