Uzbekistan has maintained its 53rd position in the World Happiness Report 2026 ranking of the world's happiest countries, with a happiness score of 6.283 out of 10. This result indicates stability compared to previous years. The report is released annually ahead of International Day of Happiness on March 20 and is prepared by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Gallup Institute and the United Nations.

The study is based on responses from nearly 100,000 individuals across 140 countries and regions, where respondents are asked to rate their life satisfaction using the Cantril Ladder test. Additionally, the compilers factor in elements such as GDP per capita, freedom levels, perceptions of corruption, and life expectancy. The new report focuses on the impact of social networks and digital technologies on well-being, particularly among youth.

Among CIS countries, only Kazakhstan entered the top 50, securing the 33rd spot and rising 10 places from last year. Kyrgyzstan is ranked 66th, Moldova 77th, and Russia 79th. Tajikistan is noted at 88th, Armenia at 89th, and Azerbaijan at 102nd, highlighting regional disparities.

Finland has been recognized as the world's happiest country for the ninth time, followed by Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, and Sweden. The top ten also includes Norway, the Netherlands, Israel, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Afghanistan remains the least happy country (147th), with Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Sierra Leone occupying the bottom ranks.

Source: www.gazeta.uz