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International Day of Happiness 2025

In 2012, the United Nations (UN) declared March 20 to be observed as the International Day of Happiness.

March 20 will be celebrated as the International Day of Happiness every year.

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Aim

The day recognizes that happiness is a fundamental human goal, and calls upon countries to approach public policies in ways that improve the well-being of all peoples.

By designating a special day for happiness, the UN aims to focus world attention on the idea that economic growth must be inclusive, equitable, and balanced, such that it promotes sustainable development, and alleviates poverty. Additionally the UN acknowledges that in order to attain global happiness, economic development must be accompanied by social and environmental well-being.

Background

The initiative to declare a day of happiness came from Bhutan – a country whose citizens are considered to be some of the happiest people in the world. The Himalayan Kingdom has championed an alternative measure of national and societal prosperity, called the Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). The GNH rejects the sole use of economic and material wealth as an indicator of development, and instead adopts a more holistic outlook, where spiritual well-being of citizens and communities is given as much importance as their material well-being.

Did You Know?

The March Equinox, also known as the Spring Equinox, often falls on March 20th as well.

International Day of Happiness Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2019WedMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2020FriMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2021SatMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2022SunMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2023MonMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2024WedMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2025ThuMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2026FriMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2027SatMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2028MonMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance
2029TueMar 20International Day of HappinessUnited Nations observance

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.