Ireland ranks 15th in list of World's Happiest Countries

Ireland has been ranked 15th in the list of the world's happiest countries, up from 17th in 2024.

The annual list compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the university of Oxford was released on Thursday and unsurprisingly several Nordic countries have been at the top of the list.

Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row while Denmark and Sweden came in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Citizens of Finland have said they have strong feelings of communal support and mutual trust that not only helped secure the top spot but also helped the country as a whole navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that trying time, Finlanders felt strongly that they were free to make their own choices and showed minimal suspicion of government corruption. Both of these factors are strong contributors to overall happiness.

In last place again, Afghanistan has been ranked as the least happiest country, with Afghan women saying their lives have become increasingly difficult under Taliban rule.

Sierra Leone in Africa was a close second followed by Lebanon.

Read the full list HERE

READ NEXT: WATCH: 'Any ideas?' - Carlow Weatherman shares videos of mysterious objects in night sky