According to the 2026 edition of the annual happiness index published by Ipsos, 80% of Brazilians report feeling happy. This represents a two percentage point increase from the previous year, although it falls short of the peak of 83% recorded in January 2023, which marked the highest level since the survey began in 2011. In the global context, Brazil ranks seventh out of 29 countries evaluated, with Indonesia and the Netherlands leading the rankings at 85% and 84%, respectively, while Hungary and South Korea have the lowest percentages at 54% and 57%.

The survey indicates a generally rising trend in happiness, as 25 of the 29 countries surveyed reported increased levels of happiness over the past year. Only the Netherlands, India, and Argentina saw declines during the same period. This trend suggests that many populations are experiencing an improvement in their overall well-being, possibly influenced by various socio-economic factors contributing to positive life outlooks after the disruptions caused by global events in recent years.

However, the report also points out that the long-term happiness outlook may be less promising. Of the 20 countries that have data since 2011, 15 have shown a decline in happiness levels over time. This raises concerns about sustainability and the factors that may diminish happiness in the future, highlighting the importance of understanding the context behind happiness metrics and the need for proactive measures to address any emerging challenges that could affect mental and emotional well-being.