India ranks 126 in World Happiness Report behind Palestine, Pakistan. Top spot goes to...

India ranks 126th on the World Happiness Report. (Representational)

India ranks at a disheartening 126th out of 143 nations in the World Happiness Report 2024, as Finland grabbed the first spot for seven years in a row. India has been grappling with a lower rank for years, trailing behind nations such as Libya, Iraq, Palestine, Pakistan and Niger this year.

For the first time, the report presents separate rankings by age group, unveiling variations from the overall rankings.

According to the findings, older age emerges as a harbinger of contentment in India, challenging preconceived notions that associate life satisfaction solely with affluent nations.

The younger demographic in India emerged as the "happiest" cohort, while those in the "lower middle" stratum report the least satisfaction.

Older men in India, on average, exhibit higher levels of contentment compared to their female counterparts, although older women, when accounting for various factors, report a higher sense of fulfillment.

The report, released on Wednesday to commemorate the UN's International Day of Happiness, also revealed that the United States has seen a stark decline this year. The US has fallen out of the top 20 for the first time since the report's inception in 2012.

This decline is attributed to a notable decrease in the well-being of Americans under 30. While Americans over 60 still secure a place in the top 10, their younger counterparts witness a significant drop, plummeting to the 62nd position.

Among the top 10 happiest countries are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Australia. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains entrenched at the bottom, retaining its unfortunate title as the world's 'unhappiest' nation. Meanwhile, Pakistan occupies the 108th spot.

Lithuania emerges as the top-ranking country for children and young people under 30, whereas Denmark secures its position as the world's happiest nation for those aged 60 and older.

Happiest countries in the world

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Israel
6. Netherlands
7. Norway
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Australia

Happiest countries in the world for the young and old

Happiest countries for those under 30:

1. Lithuania
2. Israel
3. Serbia
4. Iceland
5. Denmark
6. Luxembourg
7. Finland
8. Romania
9. Netherlands
10. Czech Republic

Happiest countries for those 60 and older:
1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Sweden
5. Iceland
6. New Zealand
7. Netherlands
8. Canada
9. Australia
10. United States