Story perspectives

World Happiness Report: Youth Well-Being Declines, Costa Rica Rises

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 World Happiness Report finds a decline in well-being among young people, including teenage girls in English-speaking countries.
Life evaluations for those under 25 have dropped significantly over the past decade, based on responses from about 100,000 people.
Costa Rica has surged to fourth place due to strong family and social connections.
Finland remains the happiest country, with Afghanistan ranking lowest, and heavy social media use harming youth well-being.

History

Historical Context

The 2017 World Happiness Report ranked Norway first and the U.S. 14th, based on surveys from over 150 countries. This report highlighted social support and income as key factors influencing happiness. The findings reflect a broader trend of declining well-being among youth in English-speaking nations, underscoring the need for policy changes to improve mental health and social connections, similar to Costa Rica's community-focused strategies.

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Story summary

The 2026 World Happiness Report finds a decline in well-being among young people, including teenage girls in English-speaking countries.
Life evaluations for those under 25 have dropped significantly over the past decade, based on responses from about 100,000 people.
Costa Rica has surged to fourth place due to strong family and social connections.
Finland remains the happiest country, with Afghanistan ranking lowest, and heavy social media use harming youth well-being.

1 / 2