Top 10 countries where kids are the happiest: Netherlands, Denmark lead in global happiness rankings

The Netherlands came out on top for mental well-being, a category that includes life satisfaction, depression, and suicide rates. Portugal also stood out here, securing the second spot. However, the report notes that Portugal has more work to do in areas like physical health (where it ranked 10th) and educational and social skills (22nd place).

The rankings revealed that no country performs perfectly across all areas. Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary, for example, scored well in mental health but fell short on physical health indicators. On the flip side, Japan, South Korea, and Slovenia earned high marks for skills and learning, yet struggled in mental well-being.

Countries such as the Czech Republic and Iceland shone in physical health but lagged behind in both mental health and educational performance—demonstrating just how difficult it is to balance every aspect of a child’s development.

UNICEF evaluated child well-being across six key dimensions that together paint a comprehensive picture of a child’s overall quality of life. These included mental well-being, physical health, and educational and social skills, which cover literacy, academic performance, and the strength of peer relationships. The social environment was also considered, focusing on the quality of interactions with family and friends. In addition, safety and security measured children’s exposure to violence and bullying, while environment and opportunities examined living conditions and future prospects for growth and development.

The report also draws attention to the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people. Mental health concerns and disruptions to learning continue to weigh heavily, and UNICEF stresses the need for “sustained investment and targeted policy efforts” to help children recover and thrive.

Top 10 countries where kids are the happiest