Le World Happiness Report is a publication containing articles and a ranking of countries according to national happiness, based on surveys where residents rate their own living conditions. The ranking is based on criteria such as life expectancy, social support, economic stability, and community support.
A ranking of the happiest countries
The first publication of the report dates back to 2012 on the occasion of a United Nations meeting to evaluate the state and criteria of happiness and misery in the world. Since 2016, it has been published annually, and since 2024, the report has been published by a research laboratory at the University of Oxford.
This year, the Nordic countries continue to top the ranking, with Finland in first position for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Norway. Afghanistan is in last position, followed by Sierra Leone and Malawi.
One of the biggest global progressions
In the ranking, Vietnam has seen one of the biggest progressions since its publication. In 2016, Vietnam was in 96th position out of the 147 countries in the ranking. It has then steadily risen in the ranking, becoming 83rd in 2020, 79th in 2021, 77th in 2022, 65th in 2023, 54th in 2024, 46th in 2025, and finally 45th this year.
Vietnam and Singapore are the only two Southeast Asian countries to be in the top 50 of the ranking. Vietnam scored 6.428/10, placing it in the group of 21 countries that have increased their happiness level the most compared to the period of 2006-2010. Countries that have seen the greatest increase include Serbia, Bulgaria, Georgia, and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Vietnam’s progression contrasts with the trend in several Western countries that have moved down the ranking, especially among those under 25 years old who, according to the report, are less happy due to increased use of social media. On the other hand, Vietnam is experiencing accelerated economic growth, a higher quality of life, and more social stability.
