New Delhi, March 19: India has edged up to 116th place in the World Happiness Report 2026, released Thursday, improving two spots from 118th last year but lagging behind neighbors Nepal (99th) and Pakistan (104th). The annual ranking, timed with International Day of Happiness, assesses well-being across 140+ countries through factors like GDP, life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and corruption perception.
India showed progress in key areas: 64th on corruption perception, 78th on generosity, 61st on freedom to choose, 89th on GDP per capita (PPP), 95th on healthy life expectancy (WHO data), but slipped to 123rd on social support. This marks gains from 126th in 2023, reflecting economic strides and policy impacts, though social bonds remain a weak link.
The report’s theme, “Happiness and Social Media,” explored digital impacts on well-being. Produced by Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre with Gallup and UN partners, Finland topped for the ninth straight year, crediting trust and mutual aid. Nordic nations dominated the top 10.
Afghanistan stayed last at 147th, while Sri Lanka (134th) and Bangladesh (127th) trailed India. Myanmar ranked 129th, Palestine 109th, Ukraine 111th, Israel 8th, China 65th (up from 68th), Russia 79th, and USA 23rd. Finland’s Ambassador Kimmo Lahdevirta praised India’s optimism: “Combine Indian optimism and Finnish happiness for a winning formula,” highlighting societal trust as “infrastructural happiness.”
India’s rise signals resilience amid global challenges, but experts urge focus on mental health, inequality, and community ties to climb higher. Happiness metrics evolve.
