The United States has experienced a significant drop in the World Happiness Report rankings, falling out of the top 20 happiest countries for the first time in history.
This year, the US dropped from its previous 15th place to 23rd, a notable decline that underscores a broader trend of decreasing happiness across all age groups, particularly among the younger population.
The World Happiness Report, which is a collaborative effort between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the report’s editorial board, highlights a troubling decline in happiness among Americans. The report shows that happiness levels have decreased across all demographics, with the most pronounced drop seen in young people. These findings paint a stark contrast to data from 2006-2010, when younger individuals were generally happier than those in midlife and almost as happy as those aged 60 and above.
One of the most striking revelations of the report is the dramatic decrease in happiness among people under 30. Over the period from 2021 to 2023, this demographic group in the US has fallen to 62nd place in the global happiness rankings. This drop is significantly larger for young females compared to their male counterparts. In comparison, Americans aged 60 and above still rank relatively high in happiness, holding the 10th position globally.
The generational analysis presented in the report offers further insights into this trend. Those born before 1965 generally report higher happiness levels than those born after 1980. Among millennials, there is a noticeable decline in life satisfaction as they age, whereas baby boomers tend to experience increasing life satisfaction with age. This generational gap in happiness highlights broader societal and economic shifts that may be impacting younger generations more acutely.
The report’s methodology does not rely on objective indices such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption levels. Instead, it bases its rankings on individuals’ own assessments of their lives, providing a subjective but revealing measure of national well-being.
Despite the US’s decline, Finland has maintained its position as the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year. It is followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel, countries that consistently rank high in happiness. At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan is identified as the least happy country, followed by Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The decrease in happiness among Americans, particularly the younger population, could be attributed to various factors. The ongoing economic uncertainty, social and political polarization, and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may all play roles. Younger generations, who often face higher levels of debt, job insecurity, and housing affordability issues, might be feeling these pressures more acutely.
Moreover, the rise of social media and digital communication, while providing connectivity, has also been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety, particularly among young people. The pervasive nature of social media can lead to negative social comparisons and a sense of inadequacy, further contributing to the decline in happiness.
In conclusion, the latest World Happiness Report presents a concerning picture for the United States, with a significant drop in happiness levels, particularly among young people. This decline calls for a deeper examination of the societal, economic, and cultural factors contributing to the well-being of different demographic groups. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving the overall happiness and quality of life for all Americans.
Download the full report here.
