Source: IE
Context:
The World Happiness Report 2026, released on the occasion of the International Day of Happiness, ranks countries based on overall well-being using global survey data and expert analysis. This year’s theme focuses on “Happiness and Social Media.”
India’s Rank and Performance
Overall Ranking
- India ranked 116th in 2026
- Improvement from:
- 118th (2024)
- 126th (2023)
Key Observation
- Despite improvement, India remains behind regional peers such as:
- Nepal (99th)
- Pakistan (104th)
India’s Performance Across Key Indicators
| Indicator | Rank |
|---|---|
| Perception of corruption | 64th |
| Freedom to make life choices | 61st |
| Generosity (charity) | 78th |
| GDP per capita (PPP) | 89th |
| Healthy life expectancy | 95th |
| Social support | 123rd |
Top 10 Happiest Countries (2026)
- Finland (9th consecutive year)
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Costa Rica
- Sweden
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
Least Happy Country
- Afghanistan ranked 147th (last)
South Asia Comparison
| Country | Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| Nepal | 99 |
| Pakistan | 104 |
| India | 116 |
| Bangladesh | 127 |
| Sri Lanka | 134 |
| Afghanistan | 147 |
Methodology of the Report
The World Happiness Report evaluates countries based on:
- GDP per capita
- Social support
- Healthy life expectancy
- Freedom to make life choices
- Generosity
- Perceptions of corruption
