By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has made a remarkable debut in the top 10 of the 2025 World Happiness Report, securing the sixth position globally. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the nation and highlights its focus on well-being and societal happiness. The report, released on March 20th, coinciding with the International Day of Happiness, reveals that Costa Rica and Mexico (ranked tenth) are the first Latin American countries to break into the top tier of global happiness rankings. Finland continues its reign as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, followed closely by other Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
The World Happiness Report is a collaborative effort between Gallup, the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the Report Editorial Board. This year’s report delves into the impact of caring for others and sharing happiness on overall well-being. The findings suggest a concerning decline in acts of generosity following the COVID-19 pandemic, which experts believe negatively impacts global well-being as these acts are key drivers of collective happiness.
To understand the potential legal and business implications of the World Happiness Report’s findings, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica.
While the World Happiness Report provides valuable insights into societal well-being, its impact on legal and business frameworks is still developing. Factors influencing happiness, such as strong social safety nets and low corruption levels, are often correlated with stable and attractive investment environments. Businesses may increasingly consider these happiness indicators when making strategic decisions, and governments could be pressured to adopt policies that promote well-being alongside economic growth. This presents both opportunities and challenges for legal frameworks to adapt and regulate in this evolving landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
Being kind and expecting kindness from others are factors that predict happiness more strongly than avoiding major negative events, such as crime or economic hardship.
World Happiness Report 2025
The report also challenges the prevailing pessimism about human kindness, revealing that people are more generous than commonly assumed. A study of lost wallets found that the actual return rates were approximately double what people expected. This finding underscores the importance of trust and social connection in fostering happiness. Nordic countries, consistently ranked among the happiest, also demonstrate the highest levels of expected kindness from others.
While the United States experienced a decline in happiness, falling to 24th place, several European nations saw significant improvements. Lithuania and Slovenia both climbed in the rankings, and Eastern European countries like Serbia, Romania, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Georgia showed the largest gains. The Netherlands, Norway, and Luxembourg rounded out the European representation in the top 10. Spain, however, continued its downward trend, falling to 38th place.
The report utilizes a three-year average evaluation of quality of life, considering factors ranging from GDP and life expectancy to feelings of freedom, perceptions of corruption, and social support. The inclusion of Costa Rica and Mexico in the top 10 signifies a shift in the global happiness landscape and highlights the importance of societal factors in promoting well-being.
This year’s report highlights the significant impact of social connection and generosity on overall well-being. It challenges our perceptions of human kindness and underscores the importance of fostering strong social ties in building happier societies. Costa Rica’s strong performance reflects a national commitment to these values and provides a model for other nations seeking to improve their own happiness rankings.
The continued dominance of Nordic countries emphasizes the effectiveness of their societal structures and policies in promoting well-being. As Costa Rica and Mexico join this elite group, they offer valuable insights for other nations seeking to prioritize happiness and create a more fulfilling society for their citizens.
Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to happiness, but the World Happiness Report provides a valuable framework for evaluating progress and identifying areas for improvement. It is a call to action for governments and individuals alike to invest in the social fabric of their communities and prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
For further information, visit gallup.com
About Gallup:
Gallup is a global analytics and advice firm known for its public opinion polls, research, and consulting services. Founded by George Gallup in 1935, the company conducts surveys on a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, well-being, and employee engagement. Gallup’s World Poll surveys citizens in over 160 countries, providing insights into global trends and public opinion.
For further information, visit ox.ac.uk
About University of Oxford:
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. It is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre is dedicated to understanding the factors that contribute to human well-being and developing evidence-based interventions to improve quality of life.
For further information, visit unsdsn.org
About Sustainable Development Solutions Network:
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a global initiative launched by the United Nations to mobilize scientific and technical expertise in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDSN works with universities, research institutes, and other partners to develop solutions for sustainable development challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and health.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. Deeply rooted in a commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm actively bridges the gap between complex legal concepts and public understanding, fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry through accessible legal knowledge and resources. Their dedication to both client success and societal progress solidifies their position as a leader within the legal landscape.
