Quality of life
Where people rate their own lives highest, asked directly rather than inferred from GDP.
World Happiness Report2026 edition, 2023 to 2025 average
The only major index built on what residents say about their own lives, instead of what statistics say about their country.
7.764
Life evaluation (0 to 10)
Ninth consecutive year at number one
7.540
Life evaluation (0 to 10)
Took second by 0.001 of a point
7.539
Life evaluation (0 to 10)
| Rank | Country | Life evaluation (0 to 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th place | Costa RicaHighest a Latin American country has ever placed | 7.439 | Highest a Latin American country has ever placed |
| 5th place | 7.255 | ||
| 6th place | 7.242 | ||
| 7th place | NetherlandsThe most English-friendly country on this list | 7.223 | The most English-friendly country on this list |
| 8th place | 7.187 | ||
| 9th place | 7.063 | ||
| 10th place | SwitzerlandBack in the top ten after a year outside it | 7.018 | Back in the top ten after a year outside it |
World Happiness Report
2026 edition, 2023 to 2025 average
See the full published listThis is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules and figures change without notice. Confirm anything you plan to act on with the official authority for that country, and check your own position with the eligibility checker.
The overall ranking, scored on life expectancy, education and income together.
City-level liveability, because a country score hides how different two of its cities can be.
Crime and personal safety, scored from resident surveys worldwide.
