The world comes together today (March 20) to mark the International Day of Happiness, a day dedicated to promoting well-being, kindness, and positivity.
Recognized by the United Nations, this annual celebration underscores the importance of happiness as a fundamental human goal and highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable development to improve lives globally.
Established in 2012 by a UN resolution, the International Day of Happiness aims to acknowledge happiness and well-being as universal aspirations.
The day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize mental health, social harmony, and economic stability as key components of a prosperous society. Across the world, countries and organizations are hosting events and campaigns focused on mental well-being, gratitude, and kindness.
Schools, businesses, and governments are launching initiatives that promote work-life balance, mental health support, and social connections.
In Bhutan, which pioneered the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the day is marked with cultural festivities and discussions on sustainable happiness. Similarly, in many countries, social media campaigns encourage individuals to share acts of kindness and messages of gratitude using #InternationalDayofHappiness.
Experts highlight that happiness is deeply linked to social connections, gratitude, and physical well-being. Research from the World Happiness Report consistently shows that nations with strong social support systems, high levels of trust, and low inequality tend to report higher happiness levels.
The latest 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report indicates a shifting landscape. The United States dropped to its lowest-ever ranking due to increasing social isolation and political divisions, now placing 24th, down from 11th in 2012. Meanwhile, Finland retained its top spot, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. At the lower end of the index, Afghanistan ranked last, followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, and Malawi.
Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report assesses happiness levels across 147 countries. It evaluates key factors such as health, wealth, personal freedom, generosity, and freedom from corruption, using self-reported data to measure overall well-being within societies.
As the world faces ongoing challenges ranging from economic uncertainty to climate change- the International Day of Happiness serves as a reminder that individual and collective well-being should remain a priority.
