Maple News reports that Canada ranked 25th out of 147 countries in the 2026 World Happiness Report, a global index that assesses well-being by nation. This year’s results place Canada two positions behind the United States, with Poland at 24th and Taiwan at 26th appearing nearby on the list. The report was released on March 19 in partnership with Gallup, the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Canada is one of only five North American countries in the top 25, underscoring its continued standing in a region that includes the United States and Mexico. However, the 2026 ranking marks a sharp decline from Canada’s 18th-place finish in 2025. The country posted a life evaluation score of 6.741, placing it ahead of major European peers such as the United Kingdom (29th), France (35th), Italy (38th), and Spain (41st).
The dip mirrors a broader trend affecting several high-income nations, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, with younger residents under 25 reporting lower levels of well-being. Over the past six years, Canada’s ranking has fluctuated: 2020 – 11th; 2021 – 14th; 2022 – 15th; 2023 – 13th; 2024 – 15th; 2025 – 18th; 2026 – 25th.
Experts note that these shifts reflect a mix of economic and social factors impacting perceived happiness, such as housing affordability, income security, and access to services. For Canada’s immigration and talent pipelines, changes in national well-being metrics can influence how prospective newcomers view long-term quality of life and integration prospects. Maple News will continue to monitor policy responses and their potential implications for attracting global talent.