The world’s 10 happiest countries in 2026 are: Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Israel, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Thailand ranked 52nd globally this year, down from 49th previously, but remained third in ASEAN, behind Singapore and Vietnam.
In Asia, Taiwan ranked highest at 26th globally, followed by Kazakhstan (33rd), the Philippines (56th), Japan (61st), China (65th), Malaysia (71st), Indonesia (87th), Laos (92nd), India (116th), Cambodia (121st) and Myanmar (129th).
John F. Helliwell, an emeritus economics professor at the University of British Columbia and one of the report’s editors, said that cooperation within society is a key factor behind Finland’s continued success.
“A successful society is one that works together when facing difficulties,” he said. “Finns understand this well, and when people feel that ‘we are in this together’, the potential of society becomes almost limitless.”
This view was echoed by Semi Salmi, a retiree who regularly swims in icy waters in Helsinki, who said Finnish people have high life satisfaction, confidence and trust in their institutions, country and government.
He also highlighted access to quality healthcare, noting that his father, who lives in long-term care, receives excellent support from the system.
Finland’s success is also attributed to a combination of wealth, equitable income distribution, a comprehensive welfare system and strong trust in public institutions, which together reduce economic risks and create stability in people’s lives.
The report also highlighted a worrying trend: high levels of social media use are contributing to a clear decline in happiness among younger generations.