Global Happiness Index: Taiwan Shines as East Asia's Leader

The World Happiness Report 2025 Reveals Surprising Insights into Global Well-being

A recent global study has ranked Taiwan as the 27th happiest place in the world and the leading nation in East Asia. The findings, released by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre's World Happiness Report 2025, offer valuable insights into the factors contributing to overall well-being across the globe.

Taiwan achieved a score of 6.669 out of 10, surpassing other East Asian nations such as Japan (55th), South Korea (58th), China (68th), Mongolia (77th), and Hong Kong (88th). The report analyzed data from 140 countries and regions.

Finland maintained its position at the top of the rankings for the eighth consecutive year, scoring 7.736. Denmark secured second place with 7.521, followed by Iceland (7.515), Sweden (7.345), and the Netherlands (7.306), completing the top five.

The rankings are based on an average of individuals' self-reported well-being scores, compiled over a three-year period from 2022 to 2024. The report's methodology incorporates several key factors to explain variations in happiness across countries and over time.

These factors include GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support networks, perceived freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

The report's analysis highlights the significant connection between belief in the kindness of others and overall happiness. The study revealed that people often underestimate the kindness within their communities. For example, the actual rates of wallet return are higher than generally anticipated.

“Investing in positive social connections and engaging in benevolent actions are both matched by greater happiness,” stated a prominent researcher involved in the report.

The World Happiness Report is a collaborative effort, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with leading research and development institutions, and an independent editorial board.

First launched in April 2012, the report is released annually around March 20, coinciding with the International Day of Happiness.