Europeans feel the happiest and most respected in the world. Will the threat of an aging population change everything?

a lady smiling with her head tilted on a man's shoulder (Credit: Westend61—Getty Images)

When it comes to a life well-lived, there’s no beating Europe. 

For years, its countries have ranked among the highest in many lifestyle metrics. In 2024 (and six years prior to that), Finland has held the crown as world’s happiest countries, according to the World Happiness Report. Its other European peers followed—such as Denmark, Iceland and The Netherlands.