Summary
The United States has moved up to 23rd in the World Happiness Report rankings for 2026. The report highlights that while the overall ranking improved slightly, the well-being of young people in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries has significantly declined. Social media use is identified as a possible cause of reduced happiness among young people.
Key Facts
- The U.S. is now ranked 23rd in the World Happiness Report.
- The ranking improved by one place from the previous year.
- Youth well-being in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries has decreased sharply.
- Only Canada's youth well-being has declined more than the U.S. among Western countries.
- Social media is linked to decreased mental well-being among young people.
- The report uses data from over 140 countries and includes self-reported life satisfaction.
- Nordic countries lead the rankings, with Finland at the top.
- Afghanistan is listed as the least happy country.
