The International Day of Happiness, celebrated on March 20, is an opportunity to reflect on emotional and social well-being. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to emphasize the importance of happiness as a global goal, IPN reports.

Recent data show that the Moldovans are less happy than in previous years. According to the World Happiness Report 2025, the Republic of Moldova ranks 80th out of 147 countries analyzed, down from 71st in 2023 and 63rd in 2022. In comparison, neighboring Romania is in 35th place this year, and the Nordic countries continue to dominate the rankings, with Finland in first place. Afghanistan is at the bottom of the rankings.

The rankings are based on such actors as gross domestic product per capita, social support, life expectancy, respect for human rights and the level of corruption. According to the researchers, these elements directly influence the level of satisfaction of people in each country.

This year's theme of the International Day of Happiness is "Generosity and Affection". The organizers emphasize that lasting happiness does not only come from personal success, but also from caring for others and from the feeling of belonging to a community.

To mark this day, wellness specialists recommend three simple steps: reflect on the things that inspired us recently, share them with someone who could benefit from them, and spread these gestures through direct communication or on social media.

The International Day of Happiness is also a time to raise awareness of sustainable development and global well-being. The UN promotes this event in close connection with the Sustainable Development Goals, which include poverty reduction, access to education, combating inequalities and protecting the environment.

Although the rankings may reflect general trends, happiness remains a subjective concept. Specialists emphasize that interpersonal relationships, health and a stable environment play an essential role in the well-being of each person.