World Happiness Report 2025: Finland Ranks First, Afghanistan Remains The Saddest Country

The World Happiness Report 2025, published today, March 20, 2025, on the occasion of International Happiness Day, once again highlighted the stark contrast in living conditions between Finland and Afghanistan. The report, compiled by the Oxford Research Center for Welfare, Gallup, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates happiness across over 140 countries, considering factors like GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perception of corruption.

For the consecutive year, Afghanistan was ranked as the saddest country in the world, while Finland topped the list as the happiest country for the eighth year in a row.

Afghanistan's Happiness Score and Its Struggles

Afghanistan's happiness score for 2025 is reported to be a mere 1.72 out of 10, showing slight improvement from last year's score of 1.28, but still far below the global average of 5.56. This ranking reflects the ongoing crises in the country, from economic collapse to social and political instability. Following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, the country has faced severe economic hardships, a breakdown of international aid, and deepened societal despair. Women, in particular, have borne the brunt of these changes, with severe restrictions on their education, employment, and freedom of movement.

According to the report, life expectancy in Afghanistan has decreased due to limited healthcare services and widespread malnutrition. The country's GDP per capita is at its lowest, and social support, which once came through familial and social networks, has disintegrated under pressure from poverty and migration. The report also highlights that corruption, both locally and within government structures, has eroded public trust, contributing to the country's ongoing challenges. A humanitarian crisis has left over 23 million people facing food insecurity, with millions of children at risk of starvation.

Finland: A Model of Happiness and Trust

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Finland, with a score of 7.741, is once again ranked the happiest country in the world. Finland has held this position since 2018, owing its success to a combination of factors that are in stark contrast to Afghanistan's situation. Strong social support, high trust in government institutions, economic equality, and universal access to education and healthcare form the foundation of happiness in Finland.

The report notes that Finns feel free to shape their lives as they wish, with generosity and solidarity being notably high. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Finland was able to navigate the crisis thanks to its efficient welfare system and mutual trust among the population. Gallup's CEO, Jim Clifton, explains that happiness is not just about wealth or economic growth, but about trust, human connection, and confidence in others' support. This is a stark contrast to Afghanistan, where distrust and isolation dominate the social fabric.

Personal Stories from Afghanistan and Finland

While the data in the World Happiness Report paints a macro picture, personal stories from Afghanistan reveal the depth of despair felt by many. A young woman from Kabul, whose name is not mentioned in the report, shared,“We see no future, we have no hope. Every day we fight just to survive.” This sentiment mirrors the experiences of millions trapped in the cycle of limitations, poverty, and insecurity. In contrast, a citizen from Helsinki expressed,“We know that if something happens, the community and the government are behind us. This sense of security brings happiness.”

Afghanistan's ranking as the saddest country in the world serves as a wake-up call for the international community. The report stresses that 19% of the world's youth reported having no one to turn to in times of need in 2023, but this statistic is far worse in Afghanistan. While Finland offers a model of sustainable well-being, Afghanistan's situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and a reevaluation of global policies toward the country.

Afghanistan's ongoing hardship, reflected in its ranking as the world's saddest country, highlights the dire need for international support and intervention. While Finland demonstrates the positive impact of strong social systems and trust, Afghanistan's reality calls for immediate humanitarian action and long-term support to rebuild the country's foundation and restore hope for its people.

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