Spain has once again dropped in the rankings of the world’s happiest countries. According to the World Happiness Report, the annual report that ranks countries based on their citizens’ life satisfaction, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland once again top the global happiness rankings. Among non-Nordic countries, Costa Rica stands out as an exception, ranking among the countries with the highest well-being, thanks to its strong social fabric and community support networks.
Spain, on the other hand, ranks 41st, far from these top positions. The report shows that, although the country enjoys cultural advantages such as high sociability, other factors limit the population’s perception of happiness.
“Happiness isn’t just a matter of money, but of how we live and how we feel in our daily lives, and in Spain, uncertainty and social pressure are weighing more and more heavily,” says psychologist Montse Escobar of Monarka Clinic.
According to the psychologist, key factors explaining this ranking include a sense of insecurity in the workplace, difficulty accessing housing, and concerns about the future.
Furthermore, although Spain is perceived as a social country, the widespread use of social media is fostering constant comparisons, dissatisfaction with personal relationships, and increased anxiety and stress.