The 2025 World Happiness Report ranks Finland as the happiest country, with other Nordic countries following closely, reinforcing the belief that wealth is essential for happiness. However, a new research project suggests that happiness is more complex, encompassing social relationships, community involvement, and a sense of purpose. The study reveals that countries with high GDPs often lack in meaningful relationships and community ties, which are crucial for overall well-being. For instance, Indonesia, despite being less wealthy, scores higher in composite flourishing due to strong community and religious involvement. This research challenges the notion that economic growth alone leads to happiness and suggests that developed countries may have lost sight of important non-material aspects of well-being.

The 2025 World Happiness Report lists Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden as the happiest countries, suggesting a link between wealth and happiness. However, this perspective is challenged by the argument that happiness is a multidimensional concept not solely tied to economic prosperity.

Life evaluation, a metric used in the World Happiness Report, may emphasize economic status over other aspects of well-being, potentially skewing perceptions of happiness. The framing of questions in such surveys often leads respondents to focus on wealth and status, overlooking elements like relationships and community engagement.

A broader definition of happiness includes good social environments, health, emotions, and a sense of life’s purpose, beyond mere economic measures. The Global Flourishing Study, involving over 200,000 participants across 22 countries, aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human well-being.

The study's findings indicate that countries with high GDPs often report less meaning and fewer satisfying relationships compared to less wealthy nations. For example, despite its high GDP, Sweden ranks lower in composite flourishing compared to countries like Indonesia and Nigeria.

Religious and community involvement are significant contributors to a higher composite flourishing score, with countries like Indonesia showing strong community ties. In contrast, Japan, with low religious participation, scores poorly in social relationships and life meaning, highlighting the importance of non-economic factors in well-being.

The research suggests that the focus on economic growth may overlook critical elements of happiness, urging a reevaluation of development models. While improving material conditions is important, it is equally crucial to foster meaning, purpose, and relationships to achieve true well-being.

Israel, a wealthy country with strong religious involvement, offers a potential model for balancing economic growth with maintaining community and social ties. This example prompts discussions on how countries like Sweden could enhance their social fabric without sacrificing economic achievements.