According to the "World Happiness Report 2025" released by the United Nations on March 19th, Brazil has made a significant breakthrough in the global happiness index ranking, jumping from 44th place last year to 36th place. This marks the first time Brazil has become the second happiest country in South America, trailing only Uruguay, which ranks 29th. This progress has propelled Brazil ahead of Chile (45th) and Argentina (42nd), drawing international attention to the changes in happiness levels in the Latin American region.

The report, jointly released by the United Nations, the University of Oxford, and Gallup, evaluates six dimensions including GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The 2025 study also focuses specifically on social behaviors, finding that having frequent meals with others significantly enhances happiness. Data shows that over the past 20 years, the number of Americans dining alone has surged by 53%, leading to a drop in their happiness index to a historic low of 24th place.

It was found that the number of family members is positively correlated with happiness, with households of four to five members having the highest happiness index. This trend is particularly prominent in Mexico and some European countries. Mexico has entered the global top ten for the first time this year, ranking 10th and becoming the first Latin American country to enter the top tier of happiness.

Finland has been ranked as the world's happiest country for the eighth consecutive time, followed closely by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Costa Rica has entered the top ten for the first time (6th place), with its balanced work-life policies and high social welfare serving as a model for Latin America. Norway, Israel, and Luxembourg occupy the 7th to 9th positions.

Experts point out that the long-standing leadership of the Nordic countries is due to their social model of "high welfare + low work pressure," which includes comprehensive childcare support, gender equality policies, and flexible work systems that allow people to easily enjoy life.

In stark contrast, Afghanistan has ranked the lowest for three consecutive years (147th), with women facing significant survival challenges. The report highlights that gender discrimination, economic collapse, and international isolation under Taliban rule have made the country a "negative example" in the global happiness index.

Brazil's rise in the happiness index is attributed to post-pandemic economic recovery, decreasing unemployment rates, and a return to the strong social attributes in traditional culture. Collective activities such as street carnivals and family gatherings have regained vitality, serving as potential drivers for boosting national happiness.

During the press conference, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres called on all countries to prioritize the establishment of inclusive societies that truly benefit their populations. Happiness, he emphasized, is not an abstract metric but a tangible life experience for every individual.