AMMAN — Jordan ranks 128th out of 147 countries in the 2025 World Happiness Report, making it the fourth Arab country, after Lebanon, Yemen, and Egypt, with low levels of reported happiness.

 

This year’s report focuses on the transformative power of kindness and sharing in promoting human well-being. It explores how acts of kindness not only uplift those who receive help but also enrich the lives of those who offer it.

 

The report, based on extensive data from the Gallup World Poll, which measures charitable donations and volunteerism, revealed that people consistently underestimate the generosity of others. This misperception, however, has a significant impact on overall well-being, as increasing awareness of genuine kindness can boost happiness.

 

“Countries are ranked based on their average self-reported life satisfaction from 2022 to 2024,” the report said. Once again, Nordic nations dominate the rankings, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden occupying the top four spots.

 

Jordan is among seven countries that experienced the smallest declines in self-reported life satisfaction, alongside Afghanistan, Lebanon, Malawi, Venezuela, Egypt, and Botswana.

 

The report also highlights that “societies with a higher expectation of benevolence tend to enjoy a more equitable distribution of happiness.” It noted that the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a surge in acts of kindness worldwide, which, despite a slight decline from 2023 to 2024, remains about 10 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.

 

The analysis also underscored that social practices such as sharing meals and fostering strong family bonds are universal catalysts for happiness. In contrast, trends toward solitary living, especially among young adults, are linked to lower levels of well-being.

 

Additionally, the report connected increased benevolence to a reduction in “deaths of despair” and examines its influence on political attitudes, suggesting that societal trust shapes the direction of populist movements.

 

In interviews with The Jordan Times, many female respondents pointed to challenges related to economic opportunities and social support, calling for greater empowerment. 

 

Meanwhile, male respondents emphasised the importance of economic reforms and community cohesion in maintaining well-being. These diverse viewpoints reflect the complex landscape of happiness in Jordan, underscoring the need for policy measures that address the distinct concerns and aspirations of both genders.

 

“I see this as a call for us to overcome our challenges. Despite these numbers, as Jordanians, we remain hopeful that our unity and resilience will pave the way for meaningful change,” said Daliya Abed, a 29-year-old Jordanian.

 

Others, like Samar Hamarsheh, shared a more cautious perspective: “The daily challenges for sure leave us quite unsettled. The data reflects real concerns.”