How Can We Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation?

Section 1: Top 35 Countries with the Highest Percentage of People Who Feel Socially Connected

The following table presents the top 35 countries ranked by the percentage of people who feel socially connected, based on data from the Gallup World Poll (2022-2023), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index, and the World Happiness Report. Only countries with a population exceeding 5 million are included. Data year: 2022-2023.

Sources (Data Year: 2022-2023):

Gallup World Poll: (www.gallup.com)

OECD Better Life Index - Community: (www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org)

World Happiness Report: (worldhappiness.report)

Our World in Data - Loneliness and Social Connections: (ourworldindata.org)

United States Rank and Analysis

The United States ranks 21st globally, with 68.7% of people reporting they feel socially connected (2022-2023 data). This places the U.S. below many peer nations and reflects a documented decline in social connectedness over the past three decades.

The U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection declared loneliness and social isolation an epidemic, with approximately 50% of American adults reporting measurable loneliness.

Key factors contributing to the United States' rank include: automobile-dependent suburban sprawl that reduces incidental social contact; long working hours that limit time for social engagement; high geographic mobility that weakens community ties; fragmentation of media and digital communication replacing face-to-face interaction; declining participation in civic organizations, religious institutions, and community groups; and systemic inequalities that create social exclusion for minority groups, low-income populations, and the elderly.

Return to topReturn to State of the Union ReportFor the most recent measurement period (2023-2024), the U.S. rate of social connectedness is estimated at approximately 69.2%, showing marginal improvement attributed to post-pandemic social recovery and increased awareness of loneliness as a public health issue.

Section 2: What Other Countries Have Done to Increase Their Percentage of People Who Feel Socially Connected

The table below presents the 8 top-rated countries with the highest percentage of people who feel socially connected, sorted in decreasing order.

The 8 Top Rated Countries with the Highest Percentage of People Who Feel Socially Connected

Iceland

Iceland's exceptional social connectedness rate of 91.2% stems from deeply embedded cultural norms around communal participation and government policies that actively fund community cohesion.

The Ministry of Social Affairs (www.stjornarradid.is) administers the Social Services Act, which mandates municipal governments to provide community centers, social clubs, and participatory programming in every community.

Iceland's small population and geographic isolation historically drove the development of strong mutual aid networks that the government has reinforced through legislation.

The Icelandic Youth Association (Ungmennafelag Islands, UMFI) (www.umfi.is) operates thousands of youth clubs across the country, ensuring that children and adolescents develop lasting social bonds.

The Prevention Reykjavik model, developed in partnership with Reykjavik City (reykjavik.is) and the Centre for Social Research and Analysis, demonstrated that investment in structured social activities dramatically reduces isolation and substance misuse. This evidence-based model has since been exported internationally.

Iceland's national strategy against loneliness, implemented in 2019, provides direct government funding to organizations fostering intergenerational connections.

Danmark (Denmark)

Danmark's high social connectedness is rooted in the concept of 'hygge,' but more importantly in structural government investments.

The Danmark Ministry of Culture (www.kum.dk) funds over 14,000 voluntary associations (foreninger) nationwide through the Danmark Voluntary Associations Act, which requires municipalities to provide meeting spaces and operational subsidies to clubs and civic groups. This creates a dense ecosystem of social participation that reaches virtually all residents.

The Danmark Voluntary Centre (Frivilligcenter) (www.frivillighed.dk) coordinates volunteer networks and provides resources to community organizations throughout Danmark.

The National Board of Social Services (Socialstyrelsen) (socialstyrelsen.dk) administers programs specifically targeting loneliness among elderly citizens, including the 'Mere Liv' (More Life) initiative pairing isolated seniors with trained volunteer companions.

Danmark's folkehojskoler (folk high schools) funded under the Folkehojskole Act provide residential community learning experiences open to all adults, explicitly fostering social bonding.

Norge (Norway)

Norge's social connectedness strategy is administered through the Ministry of Culture and Equality (www.regjeringen.no) and anchored in the Voluntary Activities Act, which provides NOK 2 billion annually to community organizations.

Norge's Frivillighetssentraler (Volunteer Centers) (www.frivilligsentral.no) operate in virtually every municipality, providing spaces for community gathering, volunteer coordination, and social programming across all age groups.

Norge's Integration Act requires municipalities to provide social integration programs for all new residents, ensuring that immigrants are actively incorporated into social networks rather than isolated.

The Norge Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet, FHI) (www.fhi.no) conducts regular national surveys measuring social connectedness and uses results to direct resources to communities with elevated isolation rates.

Norge's 'Livsglede for Eldre' (Joy of Life for the Elderly) certification program (www.livsgledeforeldre.no) requires certified care homes to arrange at least 10 social activities monthly for residents.

Suomi (Finland)

Suomi combats social isolation through the Suomi Government's National Programme for Addressing Loneliness (2020-2023), coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (stm.fi). This program allocated EUR 3 million to 150 community projects and established a national coordinator role to mainstream social connectedness across all government ministries.

Suomi's Act on the Integration of Immigrants mandates the creation of local social network groups for all immigrants within 90 days of arrival.

The Suomi Red Cross (www.punainenristi.fi) operates one of the world's most extensive befriending networks, trained specifically to combat loneliness among seniors and isolated individuals.

The Association of Suomi Local and Regional Authorities (Kuntaliitto) (www.localfinland.fi) requires municipalities to include social connectedness indicators in annual wellbeing reports.

Suomi's school system, regulated by the Suomi National Agency for Education (www.oph.fi), mandates team-based and collaborative learning methodologies that explicitly build social bonds.

Sverige (Sweden)

Sverige's approach to social connectedness is embedded in its Public Health Policy, overseen by the Public Health Agency of Sverige (Folkhalsomyndigheten) (www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se). Social connectedness is one of eight official public health objectives, and the government tracks it nationally through the Annual Public Health Survey.

The Sverige Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR) (skr.se) provides municipalities with standardized tools to measure and improve local social cohesion.

Sverige's HBTQI+ Affirmation Act and Discrimination Act ensure that all groups can participate fully in social life free from exclusion.

Studieframjandet (www.studieframjandet.se) and other study circles (studiecirklar) receive state funding to operate as community gathering points, bringing over 500,000 Swedes together annually in voluntary learning and social groups.

Sverige's 'Plattform for Socialt Foretagande' funds social enterprises specifically designed to reintegrate isolated individuals into community life through supported employment and peer social networks.

Nederland (Netherlands)

The Nederland launched a National Anti-Loneliness Program ('Een tegen Eenzaamheid') in 2018, coordinated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (www.government.nl). This program mobilizes over 200 partner organizations, municipalities, housing corporations, and businesses to identify isolated individuals and reconnect them with social opportunities. The program specifically targets elderly residents, people with disabilities, and individuals in social housing.

Movisie (www.movisie.nl) serves as the national knowledge center for social development and provides evidence-based methods for municipalities to increase social participation.

The Dutch Social Support Act (Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning, WMO) legally requires municipalities to provide social participation services and support to all residents who need them. The Nederland also funds 'buurthuizen' (neighborhood community centers) in every municipality and mandates their accessibility for all community groups regardless of income.

Österreich (Austria)

Österreich's Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) (www.sozialministerium.at) coordinates the National Strategy for Social Inclusion, which includes social connectedness as a primary indicator.

Österreich's Voluntary Work Act (Freiwilligengesetz) provides a legal and financial framework for the 3.5 million Austrians who volunteer, with tax incentives for employers who support employee volunteering through paid volunteer hours.

Caritas Österreich (www.caritas.at) and the Red Cross Österreich (www.caritas.at) operate extensive community visiting programs for isolated elderly and disabled residents. (www.roteskreuz.at)

Österreich's 'Netzwerk Soziales neu gestalten' (SONG) (www.netzwerk-song.de) promotes neighborhood-based social networks that enable people to remain socially integrated throughout aging and disability.

Österreich municipalities are required under the Social Assistance Act (Sozialhilfegesetz) to fund community integration programs, with performance targets reviewed annually by the BMSGPK.

Schweiz (Switzerland)

Schweiz's Federal Commission for Migration (EKM) (www.ekm.admin.ch) and the Schweiz Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) (www.ekm.admin.ch) jointly administer programs promoting social integration and connectedness. Schweiz's Cantonal Integration Programs (KIP) mandate all 26 cantons to invest in social language programs, neighborhood events, and community participation initiatives funded jointly by federal and cantonal governments. (www.bsv.admin.ch)

Pro Senectute Schweiz (www.prosenectute.ch) provides social engagement programs for over 1.4 million older adults annually, funded through a federal mandate.

Schweiz's Migros Cultural Fund (kulturprozent.ch) provides over CHF 100 million annually to cultural and community activities accessible to all income groups.

The Schweiz NPO Code requires registered nonprofits to demonstrate measurable community social impact, incentivizing organizations to focus on expanding participation rather than serving only existing members.

Section 3: What the U.S. Could Do to Increase Its Percentage of People Who Feel Socially Connected

To meaningfully increase the percentage of Americans who feel socially connected, the United States could implement a coordinated national strategy that treats social connectedness as a public health and policy priority. Such a strategy requires action at all levels: federal and state government, corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, faith communities, technology companies, and individual citizens.

Federal Government Agencies

The U.S. Surgeon General's Office (www.hhs.gov) could issue and implement a comprehensive National Strategy on Social Connection, building on the 2023 Advisory. This strategy could set measurable targets, allocate dedicated funding, and coordinate action across agencies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (www.cdc.gov) could include social connectedness in the National Health Interview Survey annually and publish disaggregated data by age, race, income, geography, and disability status to track disparities.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) (acl.gov) could expand funding for senior centers, intergenerational programs, and evidence-based social isolation reduction interventions for older adults.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) (www.transportation.gov) could revise federal transportation funding criteria to prioritize walkable neighborhoods, public spaces, and transit systems that facilitate social interaction.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (www.hud.gov) could require developers receiving federal subsidies to include mixed-income community spaces and design standards that promote incidental social contact.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) (americorps.gov) could expand its national service programs, which are among the most effective mechanisms for building social bonds across demographic lines.

Government Officials

The President could appoint a National Coordinator for Social Connection and establish an Interagency Task Force to align federal programs with social connectedness goals.

Congress could pass the National Strategy for Social Connection Act (introduced in 2023) and provide robust appropriations.

State governors could designate a State Social Connection Officer and require all state agencies to assess and mitigate social isolation impacts of their programs.

Mayors and local officials play a critical role: they could fund public gathering spaces, community centers, and local events that facilitate interaction, and adopt zoning codes that promote walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.

Corporations and Private Sector

Employers could implement flexible work policies that protect time for community engagement and avoid scheduling that eliminates opportunities for social life. Major corporations could invest in community benefit programs, co-working spaces, and employee volunteering programs.

Technology companies could address the documented harm of social media to genuine social connection by investing in features that facilitate real-world meetups, co-presence, and deep relationships rather than passive consumption. Corporations in real estate and retail could design and operate spaces that serve as community gathering points.

Organizations and Community Groups

AARP (www.aarp.org) and similar organizations could expand programs that address elderly isolation, including volunteer visitor programs, technology training for video communication, and intergenerational mentorship.

Neighborhood associations, houses of worship, and civic organizations such as Rotary International (www.rotary.org) and United Way (www.rotary.org) could prioritize inclusive programming that reaches isolated individuals. (www.unitedway.org)

Libraries and community centers could serve as anchor social institutions with expanded programming, evening and weekend hours, and outreach to housebound residents.

Private Individuals and Citizens

Individual Americans can act by building relationships with neighbors, participating in local civic life, volunteering, checking on isolated friends and family members, and reducing social media use in favor of in-person interaction. Communities benefit when residents intentionally build diverse social networks across age, race, income, and background.

Parents can model social engagement for children by participating in community life and limiting screen-based entertainment that replaces social interaction.

Section 4: References

Section 2 References:

Gallup World Poll - Social Connection: (www.gallup.com)

OECD Better Life Index - Community: (www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org)

World Happiness Report: (worldhappiness.report)

Our World in Data - Loneliness: (ourworldindata.org)

Iceland Ministry of Social Affairs: (www.stjornarradid.is)

UMFI - Icelandic Youth Association: (www.umfi.is)

Danish Voluntary Centre: (www.frivillighed.dk)

Danish National Board of Social Services: (socialstyrelsen.dk)

Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality: (www.regjeringen.no)

Norwegian Institute of Public Health: (www.fhi.no)

Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health: (stm.fi)

Finnish Red Cross: (www.punainenristi.fi)

Public Health Agency of Sverige: (www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se)

Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR): (skr.se)

Nederland Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport: (www.government.nl)

Movisie Nederland: (www.movisie.nl)

Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs (BMSGPK): (www.sozialministerium.at)

Swiss Federal Commission for Migration (EKM): (www.ekm.admin.ch)

Pro Senectute Schweiz: (www.prosenectute.ch)

Section 3 References:

U.S. Surgeon General - Social Connection Advisory 2023: (www.hhs.gov)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): (www.cdc.gov)

Administration for Community Living (ACL): (acl.gov)

Department of Transportation (DOT): (www.transportation.gov)

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): (www.hud.gov)

AmeriCorps: (americorps.gov)

AARP: (www.aarp.org)

Rotary International: (www.rotary.org)

United Way: (www.unitedway.org)

National Academies - Loneliness Report: (www.nationalacademies.org)

Section 5: U.S. Organizations Advocating to Improve Loneliness and Social Isolation

Section 6: Individuals Advocating to Improve Loneliness and Social Isolation

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the United States rank globally for social connectedness?

The United States ranks 21st globally, with approximately 68.7% of people reporting they feel socially connected based on 2022-2023 data. This places the U.S. below many comparable peer nations and reflects a documented decline in social connectedness over the past three decades.

Has the U.S. Surgeon General officially recognized loneliness as a public health crisis?

Yes. The U.S. Surgeon General issued a 2023 Advisory declaring loneliness and social isolation an epidemic. Approximately 50% of American adults report measurable loneliness, making it a significant and formally recognized public health concern.

What are the main reasons Americans feel socially isolated?

Key contributing factors include automobile-dependent suburban sprawl, long working hours, high geographic mobility that weakens community ties, digital communication replacing face-to-face interaction, declining civic and religious participation, and systemic inequalities that exclude minority groups, low-income populations, and the elderly.

Which country has the highest rate of social connectedness and why?

Iceland leads with a 91.2% social connectedness rate, driven by strong cultural norms around communal participation, government-funded community centers, and a national strategy against loneliness implemented in 2019. The government's Social Services Act mandates that every municipality provide community programming and social clubs.

What proven government policies have successfully increased social connection in other countries?

Iceland's Prevention Reykjavik model demonstrated that structured, government-funded social activities reduce both isolation and substance misuse, and has since been adopted internationally. Denmark also ranks among the top nations, using strong civic infrastructure and community investment to maintain high social connectedness rates.

Is social connectedness in the United States improving?

There are modest signs of improvement. For 2023-2024, the U.S. social connectedness rate is estimated at approximately 69.2%, a slight increase attributed to post-pandemic social recovery and growing public awareness of loneliness as a serious public health issue.

About the Author

Ronald Bonfilio has devoted his career to public service spanning more than five decades. His service began with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he conducted medical laboratory research at Fort Detrick and at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He subsequently held a distinguished series of federal positions, including roles with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development (Vietnam), the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and the U.S. State Department (Iraq), where he served as a Senior Economic Advisor and Agricultural Advisor. He also served 15 years with the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a Program Analyst and Auditor.

Ronald Bonfilio holds a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, and degrees in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a former Certified Public Accountant.

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