International Day of Happiness 2025: Check Theme, Importance, History, Significance and Benefit

What are the days of international happiness?

Observe the days of international happiness every March 20 to promote happiness as a basic human goal. The day was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the importance of a more inclusive, fair and balanced approach to economic growth, thereby enhancing happiness and well-being throughout the world.

International Happiness Day 2025 theme

The theme of 2025 International Happiness Day is “Caring and Sharing”. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of compassion and solidarity. True and lasting happiness is generated when we support each other, build meaningful connections and improve goals.

Why is happiness important?

Happiness is not only a personal feeling; it has global significance. Governments and organizations play a vital role in creating conditions that promote happiness:

  • Protect human rights.
  • Integrate happiness and environmental sustainability into policies.
  • In line with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals).
  • Ensure effective governance, legal institutions, tax policies and public services delivery.

Global celebration and participation

The United Nations invites individuals, classrooms, businesses and governments to celebrate International Day of Happiness by promoting activities that encourage well-being and social harmony.

When will the World Happiness Report be released globally in 2025?

The World Happiness Report 2025 was launched on March 20, 2025 and will be performed globally. The report will rank countries based on average life satisfaction, including six chapters to analyze different aspects of happiness, especially focusing on “care and sharing” in society.

The happiest and the least happy country

Top ranking countries:

Nordic countries consistently occupy the happiness index due to their strong social security, high standard of living, excellent health care and transparent governance. The highest ranking countries usually include:

1. Finland (ranked first in several years)

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. costa rica

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico

The lowest ranking countries:

Countries facing conflict, economic crisis and instability tend to have the lowest happiness rating. The bottom countries usually include:

1. Afghanistan

2. Sierra Leone

3. Lebanon

4. Malawi

5. Zimbabwe

These countries struggle with poverty, social instability and low quality of life, resulting in a decrease in the happiness level of citizens.

Reference data.worldhappiness.report

Background and history

The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 66/281 on July 12, 2012, officially declaring that March 20 is International Day of Happiness.

Key facts

detail

Announce

United Nations General Assembly (2012)

First observe

March 20, 2013

sponsor

Bhutan

Focus

Happiness, happiness, sustainability

Global compliance

Activities, publicity campaigns and reports

Why only celebrate International Day of Happiness on March 20?

March 20 was chosen as a symbol of balance, consistent with the March equinox, where the day and night are equal almost globally – representing universal equality and happiness.

The role of Bhutan in promoting happiness

  • Since the early 1970s, Bhutan has prioritized national happiness with economic output.
  • It introduced the National Happiness (GNH) index to replace the GNP.
  • Bhutan chaired a high-level meeting on “Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” at the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

How to measure happiness?

Happiness is a complex concept affected by various social, economic and psychological factors. The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) publishes the World Happiness Report every year to quantify happiness. The report evaluates the well-being of individuals in more than 150 countries based on data from the Gallup World Poll.

How many factors are considered when evaluating happiness reports?

The report uses six key metrics to evaluate happiness:

factor

describe

GDP per capita

Economic prosperity and personal income levels.

Social support

Help during times of crisis.

Healthy life expectancy

Average lifespan and quality of health care.

Freedom to make life choices

The ability to make independent individual decisions.

generous

The degree of charity and donation.

Perspectives on corruption

Trust government agencies and transparency.

India’s position in the World Happiness Report

Of the 147 countries, India ranks 118th in the 2025 World Happiness Report. In 2024, India ranked 126th, reflecting a slight improvement. Some of the major challenges that affect India’s level of happiness include:

challenge

describe

Income inequality

Major economic differences between different social groups.

unemployment

Limited job opportunities, especially for young people.

Mental health issues

Rising stress, anxiety and depression in the population.

High population density

Basic resources are overcrowded and scarce.

However, India’s strong family structure, deep-rooted cultural values ​​and spiritual traditions have made a positive contribution to happiness. In addition, the government is implementing various welfare programs and mental health awareness initiatives to improve well-being.

Measuring the meaning of happiness

Research on happiness helps to understand social well-being and develop policies to improve people’s lives.

Objectives to measure happiness:

  • Happiness as a fundamental right: consider happiness as an important aspect of human survival.
  • Mental Health and Wellness: Research shows that happiness reduces stress and reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Public policy improvement: Encourage governments to implement policies that improve quality of life.
  • Social Relationships and Purposes: Building strong relationships and having a sense of purpose helps a sense of happiness.

The benefits of happiness

Happiness has a profound impact on individual health, productivity and social life.

benefit

describe

Better health

Happy people tend to live longer and have a lower risk of disease.

Reduce stress

A positive mindset helps manage stress effectively.

Improved social life

Happier people are more social and willing to help others.

Improve creativity and productivity

Happiness enhances problem-solving ability and efficiency.

in conclusion

The days of international happiness remind us that happiness is not only a personal pursuit, but also a collective goal. By promoting improved well-being, promoting social support and adopting policies that individuals promote happiness, society can develop towards a more satisfying and balanced lifestyle.

Therefore, on this internationally happy day, prioritize joy, spread enthusiasm, and contribute to a happier world!