TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As 2026 moves forward, the ranking of the happiest countries in the world has finally arrived. The report, gathering its data from the Gallup World Poll, evaluates 140 countries according to how people assess their quality of life and overall satisfaction with their current living conditions.
These destinations are measured across six key factors, including social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. According to Condé Nast Traveler, the report also examines how happiness is distributed within each country.
Finland as the Happiest Country in the World 2026
Here’s what audiences are most excited about: the result. Once again, Finland was named the world’s happiest country for the ninth year in a row. Scoring 7.7 out of 10, Forbes notes that the Nordic country’s success is closely linked to its serious approach to well-being. Policies and daily life place strong emphasis on balance and resilience, from generous parental leave to the universal right to reconnect with nature.
Other Happiest Countries
Finland is joined by fellow Nordic nations, with Iceland ranking second, Denmark third, Sweden fifth, and Norway sixth. The dominance of these countries at the top is largely attributed to their shared values of trust, strong community ties, and collective responsibility, factors that go beyond policy alone.
Alongside them, Costa Rica stands out as a non-European entry, ranking among the top positions thanks to its optimistic outlook on life. Its placement this year marks the highest ever ranking for a Latin American country, as reported by Condé Nast Traveler.
Takeaways of the 2026 Ranking: Social Media for Well-Being
The 2026 edition also highlights notable insights into modern lifestyle trends. Social media, now an inseparable part of daily life, is shown to have a measurable impact on well-being.
The highest levels of well-being are found among those who use social media for less than an hour per day, even higher than those who don’t use it at all. Meanwhile, heavy usage is evidently linked to lower life satisfaction.
However, the findings go beyond usage time alone. The report also reveals that the type of platform leads to different outcomes. Platforms that emphasize meaningful social connection tend to support more positive well-being, while those dominated by algorithm-driven feeds and influencer content are associated with more negative effects.
Additionally, the impact of social media varies by region. In English-speaking countries and across Europe, increased usage is often linked to declines in well-being. In contrast, in regions such as Latin America, social media tends to be associated with more positive outcomes.
List of the Happiest Countries in the World in 2026
Here’s the top 10 happiest countries in the world in 2026.
- Finland
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Costa Rica
- Sweden
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
Read: Finland Named World's Happiest Country for Ninth Year