2024 Happiness Rankings: Lithuania's Proud Position in the Top 20

The World Happiness Report has been released, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Happiness on March 20. This year, Lithuania distinguished itself as the sole Baltic nation to secure a spot within the Top 20, ranking 19th globally. Remarkably, it claimed the title of the happiest country in the world for individuals under 30 in 2024. 

This annual report compiles data from surveys conducted across more than 140 countries, ranking nations based on their citizens' average life satisfaction from the previous three years, specifically from 2021 to 2023. It represents a collaborative effort between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an editorial board. 

The evaluation considers six critical factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption, to offer insights into the determinants of national happiness levels. 

An intriguing aspect of this year's rankings is the shift observed among leading nations. The United States and Germany, previously within the Top 20, fell to the 23rd and 24th positions, respectively. This shift was partially due to an increase in happiness in other countries, notably Czechia (18th), Lithuania (19th), and Slovenia (21st), with the United Kingdom rounding out the Top 20.  

The report notes that Lithuania has steadily risen in the rankings over the last six years. In 2017, the country was ranked 52nd. Lithuania's entry into the Top 20 highlights its significant strides in enhancing the well-being and happiness of its citizens, particularly among the youth, underscoring its commitment to improving quality of life through the key variables identified by the report.