The UN’s 2026 World Happiness Report shows a decline in happiness among young people in developed nations, while Nigeria continues its downward slide for the third year running.
Kehinde Adegoke | Agency Report
New York/Abuja: The 2026 World Happiness Report has revealed a troubling decline in happiness among young people in developed countries — notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — even as Nigeria slipped further down the global rankings to 106th place.
Finland retained its crown as the world’s happiest nation for the ninth consecutive year, while Mauritius emerged as Africa’s happiest country, ranking 73rd globally.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the happiness report is part of a series by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and its partners.
This annual publication coincides with the International Day of Happiness (IDH) on March 20, providing a global context for the findings.
The key finding of the report is that Finland ranked as the happiest country in the world, followed by Nordic neighbours Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the 2026 World Happiness Report.
Nordic nations dominate the top rankings. The 2026 report specifically highlights concerns about youth happiness. High social media use is a particular concern, especially in English-speaking countries.
The report finds that high social media use is associated with lower well-being, though moderate use may not be.
Under the top five shift, Costa Rica broke into the top 5, signalling a shift in the traditional top rankings.
The rankings are based on the Gallup World Poll’s three-year average of life evaluations (Cantril Ladder). The survey covers more than 140 countries.
While top rankings remained stable, there were significant shifts in well-being within regions. Satisfaction rose in some central European countries, while it decreased in other regions.
However, Mauritius ranks number one in Africa. The country ranks 73rd-happiest globally, reflecting its strong social support, healthy life expectancy, and economic stability.
The island nation has a robust tourism sector and a growing finance industry. These provide residents with opportunities and a high quality of life.
It is followed by Libya, which ranks 81st globally in happiness, emerging as one of Africa’s happier nations despite years of political turmoil.
Social support networks remain strong. Residents value the freedom to make life choices where possible. GDP per capita is variable, but community and generosity help offset economic uncertainty.
Algeria ranks 83rd globally. It reflects a society with strong family bonds and social cohesion. Economic growth is uneven, but residents benefit from social services and healthcare that support life expectancy.
Mozambique ranks 93rd globally among the happiest countries, thanks to resilient communities and strong cultural traditions. Life expectancy has improved, and social support networks help residents weather economic and environmental challenges.
Also, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Niger and Tunisia made it to the top 10.
Tunisia ranks 105th globally. It navigates economic pressures and political transitions while maintaining strong social support networks. Life expectancy is relatively high, and access to healthcare remains a priority for citizens.
Nigeria however ranked 106th in the report, down from 105th in 2025 and 102nd in 2024, based on respondents’ average life evaluations in each year.
According to the UN, IDH is a day to be happy, of course! Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The UN General Assembly supports this goal and asks for fairer, more balanced economic growth to help everyone be happier and healthier. Governments and organisations should create conditions that make people happy by respecting rights and integrating well-being and the environment into policies, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs)
The effectiveness of governments in upholding peace and social order, as well as in taxation, legal institutions, and the delivery of public services, strongly correlates with average life satisfaction.
