Why are the French people less and less happy?

According to the latest study by the World Happiness Report, people in the Île-de-France region are becoming less and less happy. France, which ranked 27th in 2024, has dropped to the 33rd place this year, just behind Saudi Arabia and ahead of Singapore. Meanwhile, Finland retains its top position for the eighth consecutive year. What explains this decline in the perceived well-being of the French population? The World Happiness Report is based on subjective well-being assessments collected over the past three years by the Gallup World Poll, in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Experts from various fields, including economics, psychology, and sociology, then analyze this data to provide in-depth evaluations. The criteria considered in the report include income (GDP per capita), healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceived corruption levels.

In this year's report, the authors claim to have new evidence that acts of generosity and trust in others' kindness are major indicators of happiness, surpassing even the impact of a higher salary. They highlight that “people tend to underestimate the kindness of their community” and that “the rate of returned lost wallets is much higher than they imagine”. Moreover, Nordic countries rank among “the best in terms of expected and actual rates of returned lost wallets”. While Finland dominates the ranking thanks to its stable social model, trust in its institutions, and a peaceful living environment, France faces growing concerns that weigh on its citizens' morale. The decline in purchasing power, social tensions, and a loss of confidence in the future all contribute to this drop in ranking.

France is experiencing a persistent social crisis. Inflation, job insecurity, and housing difficulties weigh heavily on citizens' morale. The rising cost of living reduces purchasing power and fuels growing dissatisfaction, particularly among the middle and working classes. Economic uncertainty and controversial reforms, such as those on pensions or the labor market, contribute to a climate of discontent and frequent protests. The feeling of not being heard by those in power reinforces a certain collective pessimism. The report also highlights a decline in social cohesion in France. Inequalities are widening, and loneliness is increasing, especially among the elderly and young people. While digitalization has its benefits, it has also led to a decline in human interactions, a key element of well-being. Rising political tensions and societal divisions further deepen this disconnect. Debates on immigration, environmental policies, and security contribute to significant fractures, making the general atmosphere more anxiety-inducing. One of the main explanations for this drop in happiness in France lies in the perception of the future. Many French people express concerns for future generations due to climate change, economic crises, and geopolitical instability. The uncertainty surrounding the world's evolution fuels a sense of fatalism, which hinders the optimism necessary for happiness.