Employment

The 2026 report, based on interviews with roughly 100,000 people across 140+ countries, reinforces that happiness is not solely about wealth. Social support and trust in institutions often outweigh raw GDP in explaining national differences. Costa Rica’s surge into the top four proves that strong community ties and life satisfaction can propel mid-income nations upward.

The transition will require careful policy planning to ensure that the gains achieved over decades are not undermined by sudden changes in trade and development frameworks.

Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, with an estimated 19 million people expected to live in moderate or severe climate hotspots by 2050.

The market’s verdict has been swift and unforgiving. Brent crude futures rocketed to $119.50 per barrel – the highest since mid-2022 – while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) hit $119.48, capping a blistering 25 per cent surge in days.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Finland to expand cooperation in skill development, strengthen vocational education systems and promote ethical and sustainable workforce mobility.

These hikes aim to generate more revenue – Everest alone brought in over $5 million in 2025 – while deterring casual climbers.

Community representatives say their demand is simple: recognition of reality. After decades in India, they argue, their lives are rooted in the state’s towns and villages rather than the country they fled.

Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division described the combined investments as a “strategic offensive” to support Bangladesh’s transition to upper-middle-income status.