The World Happiness Report 2026 shows a decline in life satisfaction among young people in English-speaking countries, while Finland remains the happiest country.

The World Happiness Report 2026, conducted by the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup and the UN, reveals a significant decline in life satisfaction among young people under 25 in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The study, based on surveys conducted on approximately 100,000 people from 140 countries, highlights the link between heavy social media use and decreased well-being, especially among teenage girls. Most students in the US wish social media platforms did not exist, using them only due to social pressure. Finland has been designated the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Iceland, Denmark, and Costa Rica, due to strong welfare systems and equality. At the opposite end, Afghanistan remains the least happy country.