When is International Day of Happiness?
International Day of Happiness 2027 is on Saturday
Saturday, March 20, 2027
March 20 every year. That's in 167 days.
until International Day of Happiness begins, in your time zone
The International Day of Happiness is a UN observance that treats happiness and well-being as universal goals. It asks governments to weigh people's well-being, not only economic growth, when they set public policy.
About International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness promotes the idea that how well people's lives are going should count alongside national income. The UN uses the day to argue that economic growth should be shared more widely and weighed against other needs, so that it supports sustainable development, cuts poverty and leaves people genuinely better off. Anyone can join in, from schoolchildren to companies and national governments.
The General Assembly proclaimed March 20 the International Day of Happiness in resolution 66/281, adopted on July 12, 2012, and the day was first observed in 2013. The resolution recognized happiness and well-being as aspirations shared by people around the world and called for them to be reflected in public policy.
Bhutan initiated the resolution. Since the early 1970s the Himalayan kingdom has judged its progress by the happiness of its people rather than by income alone, an approach it calls Gross National Happiness. During the Assembly's 66th session, Bhutan also hosted a high-level meeting on happiness and well-being as a new economic paradigm.
The UN has also highlighted the World Happiness Report, which ranks countries by how satisfied their people say they are with their lives. The 2026 edition was launched on March 20 with events around the world and looked at well-being in the digital age, including the effects of social media.
Sources: United Nations: International Day of Happiness, General Assembly resolution 66/281 (2012). How we check dates.
How to mark International Day of Happiness
- Write down three things that went well this week and what made them good.
- Do something kind without being asked, such as helping a neighbor with a chore or checking on someone who lives alone.
- Spend unhurried time with people who lift your mood, or reach out to someone who might be lonely.
- Look up where your country ranks in the latest World Happiness Report and which factors the report links to life satisfaction.
- Take an evening off from screens and spend it outdoors, on a hobby or with friends.
International Day of Happiness dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, March 20, 2025 |
| 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, March 20, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, March 20, 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, March 20, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, March 20, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, March 20, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of Happiness 2027?
International Day of Happiness 2027 is on Saturday, March 20, 2027. It falls on March 20 every year. In 2028, it is on Monday, March 20, 2028.
Which country started the International Day of Happiness?
Bhutan initiated the UN resolution. The country has long put national happiness ahead of national income and promotes Gross National Happiness as a measure of progress.
What is the World Happiness Report?
It is a report that ranks countries by how satisfied their people say they are with their lives. The 2026 edition was launched on the International Day of Happiness.
Is International Day of Happiness a public holiday?
No. International Day of Happiness is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.