U.S. once again hits new low in World Happiness Report
The U.S. hit a new record low on the annual World Happiness Report released Wednesday night.
Why it matters: The drop in the U.S.' ranking comes on the back of a monumental U.S. election and as many Americans report struggling to stay afloat financially.
The big picture: The U.S. ranked 24th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, one spot lower than it did last year, when it likewise broke a new record low.
The World Happiness Report, powered by data from Gallup, noted that the "increasing number of people dining along is one reason for declining wellbeing" in the U.S.
2024 marked the first year the U.S. didn't rank among the world's 20 happiest countries since the report launched 12 years ago. Its number 23 ranking last year was eight slots lower than it was in 2023.
State of play: While the U.S. ranking only changed slightly between the 2024 and 2025 reports, it underscores the previous year's finding that young people under 30 are driving the downward shift, Julie Ray, managing editor of world news at Gallup, told Axios Tuesday.
"There's been "no recovery in terms of young people's perception," she said.
Instead, young people in the U.S. feel "less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," Ray said.
Zoom in: In fact, the number of young people who said they believe they have the freedom to choose what to do with their lives fell 10 points between 2024 and 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, Ray noted.
This paints a "bleak picture" of perceptions of the U.S.' future and the viability of the American dream, according to Ray.
Zoom out: The Nordic countries continue to rank among the happiest in the world, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden claiming the top for slots in the latest report.
According to Gallup's findings, three Western nations — the U.S., Canada and Switzerland — were "among the fifteen largest losers" in the happiness rankings.
"This year, for the first time, none of the large industrial powers ranked in the top 20," the report stated.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
38 minutes ago
- New York Post
‘60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley warns a CBS settlement with Trump would be ‘very damaging'
'60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley spoke out about President Donald Trump's lawsuit against CBS and its parent company on Saturday, arguing that a settlement would be 'very damaging.' 'Well, it'd be very damaging to CBS, to Paramount, to the reputation of those companies,' Pelley said during a conversation with CNN's Anderson Cooper on Saturday, who asked how harmful a settlement and potential apology would be to the network. Trump filed a lawsuit against Paramount Global, CBS News' parent company, over a '60 Minutes' interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris in October 2024. Fox News Digital confirmed that Trump rejected a $15 million offer to settle his lawsuit, according to a source familiar with the matter, as the president's legal team is also demanding at least $25 million and an apology from CBS News. Cooper, who is also a correspondent on '60 Minutes,' also asked Pelley about former show producer Bill Owens resigning from the program in April. 'Bill's decision to resign may not have been much of a decision for him because he was always the first person to defend the independence of '60 minutes.' Bill didn't work for Paramount. Bill worked for our viewers, and he felt very keenly about that. And so I'm not sure Bill had any choice, once the corporation began to meddle in Bill's decisions about the editorial content, or just place pressure in that area, Bill felt that he didn't have the independence that honest journalism requires,' Pelley said. 4 Scott Pelley warned that a settlement between President Trump and CBS would be 'very damaging.' 4 President Trump rejected a $15 million offer to settle his lawsuit, according to Fox News Digital. AP Pelley also said he wished he had the public backing of CBS News, but added that his work was still making it onto the program. 'You really wish the company was behind you 100%, right? You really wish the top echelons of the company would come out publicly and say '60 Minutes', for example, is a crown jewel of American journalism, and we stand behind it 100%. I haven't heard that. On the other hand, my work is getting on the air, and I have not had anyone outside '60 Minutes' put their thumb on the scale and say, 'you can't say that. You should say this. You have to edit the story in this way. You should interview this person.' None of that has happened. So while I would like to have that public backing, maybe the more important thing is the work is still getting on the air,' Pelley said. 4 The Federal Communications Commission accused '60 Minutes' of heavily editing an interview with Kamala Harris in 2024. 60 Minutes / CBS 4 Former show producer Bill Owens resigned from the program in April. The '60 Minutes' correspondent recently went viral for calling out Trump during a commencement address. 'In this moment, this moment, this morning, our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack,' Pelley said during his commencement speech at Wake Forest University. 'And insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts, the fear to speak in America. If our government is, in Lincoln's phrase, 'Of the people, by the people, for the people,' then why are we afraid to speak?' Pelley addressed the remarks during the CNN interview and told Cooper that he felt 'strongly' it needed to be said. 'I don't refer to him or the president or the White House or the administration. But I was talking about actions that have been taken by the government over these last many months. But, there was a little bit of hysteria among some about this speech, and I simply ask you, what does it say about our country when there's hysteria about a speech that's about freedom of speech?' the CBS correspondent added.
The Hill
2 hours ago
- The Hill
China's exports climb 4.8% in May as shipments to the US fall nearly 10%
BEIJING (AP) — China's exports rose 4.8% in May from a year earlier, a bit lower than expected as shipments to the United States fell nearly 10%, according to customs figures released Monday just hours ahead of another round of trade talks between the U.S. and China. Imports declined 3.4% year-on-year, leaving a trade surplus of $103.2 billion. China exported $28.8 billion to the United States in May, while its imports from the U.S. fell 7.4% to $10.8 billion, the report said. Trade slowed in May after China's global exports jumped 8.1% in April, even after U.S. President Donald Trump struck a deal with Beijing to delay implementation of stiff tariff hikes to allow time for talks. Many businesses had rushed orders to try to beat higher tariffs, even as some tariffs took effect or remained in place. The next round of U.S.-China talks was due to take place later Monday in London. The talks follow a phone call last week between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In early May the two sides agreed to a 90-day suspension of most of the tariffs they had imposed on each other in their escalating trade war. Since then, the U.S. and China have exchanged angry words over advanced semiconductors, 'rare earths' that are vital to many industries and visas for Chinese students at American universities.
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
Dubai Lawyer – Expert Legal Support in the Heart of the UAE
Dubai stands as a global symbol of progress, innovation, and opportunity. With its rapidly growing economy, diverse population, and evolving legal landscape, the need for expert legal assistance is more important than ever. Whether you are an individual or a multinational corporation, a Dubai lawyer can provide the legal clarity and protection you need. Navigating legal matters in a foreign country can be complex. UAE laws are based on both civil law principles and Sharia law, and they can differ significantly from Western legal systems. A professional Dubai lawyer is well-versed in local regulations and can help ensure that your rights are fully protected. From personal matters to complex business transactions, a qualified lawyer in Dubai can assist in various legal areas: Business Setup & Corporate Law Establishing a business in Dubai requires knowledge of legal frameworks. Lawyers assist with company formation, license acquisition, partnership agreements, and more. Establishing a business in Dubai requires knowledge of legal frameworks. Lawyers assist with company formation, license acquisition, partnership agreements, and more. Real Estate Law Whether you're buying, selling, or renting property, a Dubai lawyer ensures the transaction is legally sound and protects your investment. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting property, a Dubai lawyer ensures the transaction is legally sound and protects your investment. Family & Personal Law Issues like marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance require sensitive handling and a strong grasp of local customs and laws. Issues like marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance require sensitive handling and a strong grasp of local customs and laws. Criminal Defense Facing criminal charges in the UAE is a serious matter. A skilled lawyer provides defense, representation, and legal advice through all stages. Facing criminal charges in the UAE is a serious matter. A skilled lawyer provides defense, representation, and legal advice through all stages. Employment Law Legal issues between employers and employees, including contract disputes or wrongful termination, are efficiently handled by employment law experts. Legal issues between employers and employees, including contract disputes or wrongful termination, are efficiently handled by employment law experts. Wills & Inheritance A Dubai lawyer can help you draft a will that aligns with your home country laws while complying with local legal requirements. Bilingual Expertise (Arabic & English) Ensures smooth communication in court and legal documentation. Ensures smooth communication in court and legal documentation. Understanding of Local Culture UAE laws are influenced by Islamic values; a local lawyer knows how to navigate both legal and cultural norms. UAE laws are influenced by Islamic values; a local lawyer knows how to navigate both legal and cultural norms. Speed & Efficiency With a local lawyer, your case moves forward faster due to familiarity with local courts and procedures. Look for experience in your specific legal area. Check client testimonials and success records. Choose someone who is responsive and easy to communicate with. Make sure the lawyer is registered with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (LAD). Conclusion A trusted Dubai lawyer is more than just a legal representative — they are your strategic partner in ensuring justice, protecting your assets, and supporting your goals in the UAE. Don't wait for a legal issue to arise. Consult a professional today and take proactive steps toward legal confidence in Dubai. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
