Pakistan’s ranking in the World Happiness Report has dropped to 109th place. The country still outperforms India and Afghanistan. Regional performance shows Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lagging, while Iran and China rank higher. Finland remains the happiest nation, while the US and UK face significant declines. Key factors influencing happiness include social support and income levels.
Pakistan’s position in the World Happiness Report 2025 has slightly declined, now ranking 109th, down from 108th in the previous year. Nevertheless, Pakistan maintains a more favorable ranking compared to its regional counterparts, India at 118th and Afghanistan at 147th. The annual report assesses happiness across 147 nations through surveys evaluating quality of life from 2022 to 2024, published by Gallup and its partners.
In the South Asian context, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka hold the 133rd and 134th spots respectively, while Iran, which hosts a 3.9% refugee population, performs better at 99th place. China stands out as the leader in Asia, securing the 27th position in the global rankings.
Finland continues to top the list as the happiest country globally, followed by Denmark and Iceland. Other notable nations among the top 15 include Sweden, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Norway. In contrast, the United States and the United Kingdom have experienced significant drops; the US now at 24th place—a record low—and the UK at 23rd, its lowest since 2017.
At the lower end of the happiness spectrum, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe rank among the least happy nations worldwide. The report underscores the importance of factors such as social support, income levels, personal freedoms, life expectancy, and corruption in influencing happiness. Additionally, it emphasizes the critical role of “caring and sharing” in enhancing overall well-being.
In summary, Pakistan’s minor decline to 109th in the World Happiness Report 2025 reflects ongoing regional comparisons, with India and Afghanistan ranking lower. The report reveals significant trends globally, noting drops in happiness in the US and UK, while Finland retains its top position. The role of social and economic factors in influencing happiness globally remains pivotal, with an increasing focus on community support and altruism in enhancing well-being.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
