The Netherlands is in the Top Five Countries for World Happiness
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, the Netherlands continues to rank among the happiest countries in the world
The Netherlands reclaims its spot as one of the happiest countries in the world, coming in fifth in the World Happiness Report 2025.
The report, which is published annually, is based upon a democratic and universal life evaluation that is universally understood across cultures and backgrounds. These evaluations coincide with economic models around GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom from corruption and more.
In 2025, the countries rounding out the top five ranking with the Netherlands include Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden. Beyond the overall ranking, the Netherlands also ranks within the top 10 for GDP per capita and its culture of generosity.
A high quality of life in the Netherlands
From healthy work-life balance and a strong sense of safety, to top-notch education and healthcare systems, the Dutch enjoy a high quality of life in the Netherlands. A national culture of prioritizing well-being is extended through employers, making the talent pool more productive, motivated and happier than other countries. It’s no wonder the Dutch language includes words to describe these concepts: niksen (embracing rest by doing nothing) and gezellig (cozy, togetherness, welcoming).
An equally great place for business
A great place to live is also a location where companies can innovate and excel. The Dutch economy rivals global competitors and is a welcoming, stable and rewarding location for foreign businesses to invest. Punching above its weight, the Netherlands has been ranked among the most competitive economies in Europe and the world by various indexes. The competitive business climate in the Netherlands is rounded out by a multilingual workforce and state-of-the-art infrastructure that drives efficiency across industries.
Dutch nationals and expats alike feel at home
Even if you’re not Dutch, the Netherlands welcomes international employees coming to work in the Netherlands and understands that a global workforce helps companies become successful. With that in mind, more than 12 Expat Centers in the Netherlands help internationals to get settled smoothly and feel at home.
About the World Happiness Report
The World Happiness Report is a partnership among Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the World Happiness Report’s Editorial Board. The research combines data from more than 140 countries with analysis by world-leading researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines.
Source: World Happiness Report 2025
27 March 2025