America is the unhappiest it's ever been, but it's happier than the country it abandoned

New York: A new study reveals that happiness levels in the United States have declined, with the country ranking 24th in the annual World Happiness Report. This marks the lowest position the US has held since the report was first published in 2012.

Meanwhile, Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world, securing the top spot for the eighth consecutive year. Other Nordic nations, including Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, round out the top five.

Why are Nordic countries the happiest?

"Finns fundamentally feel safe, relaxed, and enjoy a good work-life balance. And I’m sure their sauna culture helps," said CBS News correspondent Ian Lee.

The study, conducted by the University of Oxford, the United Nations, and Gallup, examined factors such as social support, income, health, freedom, absence of corruption, and generosity. This year’s report emphasized the importance of "caring and sharing" in contributing to happiness levels.

Why has the US ranking dropped?

The report indicates a rise in loneliness and social isolation as key factors contributing to the US's declining happiness. It found that one in four Americans now eat their meals alone, a significant increase from previous years.

Additionally, the US saw a rise in “deaths of despair”, which include fatalities linked to suicide and substance abuse. The report also highlighted growing anxiety, stress, and declining trust in institutions, not just in the US, but globally.

At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan was ranked as the world’s least happy country. Afghan women, in particular, reported significant declines in well-being following Taliban-imposed restrictions that ban them from education and public life.