The World Happiness Report 2026 offers a comprehensive look at how life satisfaction is evolving across countries, generations, and time. Powered primarily by Gallup World Poll data, the report analyzes how individuals worldwide rate their own quality of life and the factors influencing those perceptions.
Rising and Falling Happiness
Globally, the findings point to an overall positive trend. In 85 of 136 countries, people under age 25 report higher levels of happiness today than they did roughly two decades ago. This upward trend underscores broader gains in wellbeing across much of the world.
However, the report identifies notable declines in youth life satisfaction in several Western nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Happiness among those under 25 has dropped by an average of 0.86 points on a 0–10 scale over the past 20 years in these countries.
Drivers of Wellbeing
The report highlights that happiness is shaped by a combination of structural and social factors, including economic conditions, health, social support, freedom, generosity, and trust. These remain the strongest drivers of wellbeing across regions. Nordic countries continue to lead global rankings, supported by strong social safety nets, high levels of trust, and a sense of community.
Impact of Social Media
The 2026 edition also explores how modern influences—particularly social media and digital behaviors—intersect with these broader drivers. Findings suggest that intensity and type of use, rather than simple access, play a key role in shaping wellbeing outcomes. Across 47 countries, young people who use social media for more than seven hours per day report significantly lower wellbeing than those who use it for less than one hour.
About the Report
The World Happiness Report is produced by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. This annual publication provides interdisciplinary insights into the wellbeing and happiness of people across the globe. In addition to the rankings of the world’s happiest countries, the report includes original research and curated submissions from wellbeing science experts.