The World Happiness Index is out, and it's not great news for the U. S.  The country has hit a new low, dropping to the 24th spot.  This is a big change from a decade ago when it was in the top 11.  The report suggests that political fights and economic worries are making people unhappy.  It's not just about money though.  People are feeling lonely and unsure about their future.  This is a big problem because it's making people turn to extreme political views.

Finland, on the other hand, is still the happiest country.  It's been at the top for eight years in a row.  This might seem surprising because Finland has long, dark winters and is near a country at war.  But the people there seem to have a strong sense of community and trust in each other.  This is something that the U. S. and other Western countries could learn from.

The report also looked at the unhappiest countries.  Afghanistan is at the bottom again, with women and girls facing big challenges.  Sierra Leone and Lebanon are also struggling, with problems like human rights violations and economic crises.  These issues show how happiness is about more than just money.  It's also about feeling safe and supported.

The report also found that more Americans are eating alone.  This is a sign of growing loneliness, especially among young adults.  This is a problem because social connections are important for happiness.  The report suggests that one way to improve happiness is to have more faith in others and be kinder.  This might seem simple, but it can have a big impact.

The report also found that people are kinder than we think.  For example, lost wallets are returned more often than people expect.  This shows that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.  So, if we want to be happier, we should start by being nicer to each other.

Why are Americans feeling the blues?

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