International Day of Happiness 2027

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20, the date of the March equinox in most years. It recognises that happiness and well-being are important goals for people everywhere and that governments should consider them alongside economic growth.

The World Happiness Report, which ranks countries by how people rate their own lives, is usually published around this date.

Bhutan, which measures progress through Gross National Happiness rather than income alone, led the initiative. In 2011 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution inviting countries to measure happiness to help guide public policy. On June 28, 2012, it adopted resolution 66/281, proclaiming March 20 as the International Day of Happiness. The first was celebrated in 2013.

Research on well-being shows that health, strong social relationships, trust, generosity and a sense of freedom matter as much to life satisfaction as income. The day encourages individuals to look after their own well-being and that of others, and encourages policymakers to measure what makes lives go well.