Pakistan ranks 109th in global happiness report despite regional stability
- The World Happiness Report 2025 places Pakistan 109th out of 147 countries, indicating a relatively better standing in South Asia.
- The report highlights Finland as the happiest nation while the United States ranks 24th, the lowest ever.
- The findings suggest that despite being ranked relatively low globally, Pakistanis demonstrate resilience and shared moments of joy, reflecting a degree of happiness that stands out positively in the region.
On March 21, 2025, the World Happiness Report 2025 was released, indicating that Pakistan ranks 109th among 147 surveyed countries. The report, published by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre, evaluates happiness based on self-assessed life satisfaction, economic factors like GDP per capita, as well as social support, longevity, freedom, generosity, and corruption perceptions. Although this ranking places Pakistan as second only to Nepal in the South Asian region, it signifies a contrast when compared globally, where Finland has maintained its status as the happiest nation for eight consecutive years. Furthermore, the United States has experienced a notable decline, landing at 24th, its lowest ranking, driven by rising cases of deaths attributed to despair, including suicide and substance abuse, indicating a concerning trend that is not observed in most other countries. The report highlights that collective well-being involves not just economic considerations, but significantly hinges on acts of kindness within communities, as many individuals mistakenly perceive a lack of generosity around them. The findings suggest an alarming increase in loneliness among young people around the world, highlighting that social support remains crucial for happiness. Yet, in Pakistan’s context, there remains hope, as citizens continue to experience shared moments of joy and support through family and community bonds despite the challenges.