9 of the world’s most unhappiest nations; find out if South Africans are also unhappy

The World Happiness Report considers six key factors to explain variations in happiness levels globally.

These factors include social support, health, income, freedom, generosity, and the absence of corruption.

Each element plays a pivotal role in shaping overall well-being, providing a comprehensive framework for assessing and understanding happiness on a global scale.

The report’s inclusion of these diverse dimensions reflects its commitment to capturing the intricacies of human well-being.

Likewise, the nations not faring well in these criteria find a place below the list, thereby referred to as the world’s unhappiest nations.

Read on to know more.

Ranked at the bottom among 137 countries in the global happiness index, Afghanistan faces the challenge of low life expectancy and various persistent issues that predate the pandemic. Despite its rich cultural history, the nation’s struggles have significantly impacted the well-being of its citizens.

Following Afghanistan, Lebanon holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second least happy country. Despite having average life ratings more than 5 points higher than the happiest nations on a scale of 0 to 5, Lebanon grapples with socio-political challenges, economic instability, and a general sense of dissatisfaction among its populace.

Securing the third position as the world’s third most unhappy country and the most unhappy in Africa, Sierra Leone faces unique challenges contributing to its low happiness index. Economic disparities, political instability, and social unrest contribute to the overall dissatisfaction among its citizens.

At the fourth position in the World Happiness Report, Zimbabwe experiences a slightly more favorable situation compared to war-torn Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Sierra Leone. The country grapples with a tumultuous history and ongoing challenges, impacting the overall well-being of its population.

Claiming the fifth spot, the Democratic Republic of Congo faces a myriad of challenges stemming from a long history of conflict, political upheaval, authoritarian rule, and forced displacement of populations. These factors intertwine to create an environment of discontent and unhappiness.

Botswana holds a position just ahead of countries like Afghanistan and Lebanon. Despite its relative stability, societal well-being and overall life satisfaction contribute to its inclusion among the unhappiest nations.

Facing challenges such as a rapidly growing population, infertile land, and lack of irrigation, Malawi grapples with significant hurdles impacting the happiness and contentment of its citizens. Economic difficulties and limited resources further compound the situation.

Proneness to political upheaval and coups lands Comoros on the list of the world’s unhappiest countries. The constant state of unrest significantly impacts the socio-political landscape, fostering an environment of dissatisfaction among the populace.

It’s inclusion in this list is due to lower scores across major happiness indexes. The country faces challenges encompassing economic, social, and political spheres, influencing overall well-being. Factors contributing to Tanzania’s unhappiness underscore the complexities of navigating the modern world while preserving cultural and historical values.