Relevance for UPSC (GS Paper II – Social Indicators) •
Source: The Hindu ; World Happiness Report 2025 (Wellbeing Research Centre, Oxford)
The latest Global Happiness Ranking shows Finland topping the list for the eighth consecutive year, while India ranks 118th and Pakistan 109th, raising debates on how happiness is measured and what it reflects about societies.
Global Happiness Ranking
The ranking is published in the World Happiness Report, based on the Gallup World Poll using the Cantril Ladder, where citizens rate their lives on a scale of 0–10.
Key Variables Used
Variable | Meaning |
| GDP per capita | Economic well-being |
| Social support | Having someone to rely on |
| Healthy life expectancy | Basic human development |
| Freedom to make life choices | Autonomy |
| Generosity | Prosocial behaviour |
| Perception of corruption | Trust in institutions |
The ranking is perception-based, influenced by expectations, social trust and institutional confidence.
Positions of Various Nations (2025 Report)
- Top 5: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands
- India: 118
- Pakistan: 109
- United States: Experienced a decline due to reduced social trust
- Nordic countries: Remain top performers due to strong welfare, low inequality and high institutional trust
Significance
- Highlights social capital, trust, fairness, and community cohesion—not just GDP.
- Helps governments gauge well-being, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health) & SDG 16 (Strong Institutions).
- Reveals that democracies with high expectations may score lower despite economic gains.
Provides insights for India to strengthen social bonds, institutional trust and mental-health support (e.g., Tele-MANAS).
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