India ranks 126th out of 143 countries on the global happiness index

India’s standing at 126th out of 143 nations in the global happiness index reflects a complex landscape of well-being within the country. While older age is associated with higher life satisfaction in India, the overall happiness ranking places it behind countries like Libya, Iraq, Palestine, and Niger. Finland continues its streak as the happiest country, with other top-ranking nations including Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Interestingly, the United States has dropped out of the top 20 for the first time, driven partly by a decline in well-being among younger Americans.

The report highlights various factors influencing happiness in India, including education level, social caste, and gender. Older adults with higher education and from higher social castes tend to report greater life satisfaction. However, challenges such as perceived discrimination and poor self-rated health impact overall well-being, particularly among certain demographic groups. Strengthening family and social networks emerges as a key strategy to enhance the quality of life for older adults, widowed individuals, and those with lower levels of education.

Furthermore, the report identifies countries with significant improvements in life evaluation scores over the years, such as Serbia and Bulgaria. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of happiness and well-being globally. Notably, the report introduces separate rankings by age group, revealing variations in happiness levels across different demographics. Lithuania ranks highest for children and young people under 30, while Denmark emerges as the happiest nation for individuals aged 60 and older. This nuanced approach highlights the diverse factors influencing happiness and underscores the importance of tailored interventions to promote well-being across all age groups.