The world is experiencing its highest levels of happiness since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gallup’s Global Emotions Report for 2024. Positive emotions have reached a score of 71 out of 100, the highest since 2020, while negative emotions have declined for the first time since 2014. Interestingly, the happiest countries aren’t the wealthiest; Latin American and Southeast Asian nations top the Positive Experience Index. Young people, aged 15 to 30, are notably the most positive demographic, rebounding quickly to pre-pandemic levels of happiness. This resilience is surprising, given the widespread concerns about youth mental health. Despite ongoing global challenges, these findings suggest a complex but hopeful picture of worldwide happiness. The results challenge the assumption that economic prosperity directly correlates with emotional well-being.