The World Happiness Report highlights global well-being trends, but some countries consistently rank at the bottom due to ongoing challenges.
From economic crises to political instability and human rights issues, the lowest-ranked nations on the report face a variety of hardships that impact their citizens’ happiness.
In this article, we delve into the 15 countries with the lowest happiness scores, exploring the key factors contributing to their struggles.
Understanding these challenges provides insight into the complex relationship between socio-political conditions and overall happiness, shedding light on areas where improvement is desperately needed.
1: Afghanistan
Afghanistan scored the lowest on Gallup’s poll by a significant margin, receiving an average happiness score of 1.859 out of 10.
The country is described as remaining in a state of constant turmoil. A major contributing factor to this situation is recent crackdowns by the Taliban on various aspects of life.
These crackdowns have impacted fundamental areas such as women’s rights and free speech. The severe limitations on these rights and the overall instability reflect the country’s position at the very bottom of the happiness index.
2: Lebanon
Lebanon sits near the bottom of the World Happiness Report with an average happiness score of 2.392 out of 10.
The nation has been facing a significant economic crisis since 2019, and according to the source, it has not yet recovered from this downturn. This crisis is attributed to extreme government mismanagement.
The consequences of this economic situation are dire for the population, with nearly 80 percent of people living below the poverty line. The pervasive economic hardship contributes directly to the low happiness score.
3: Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a nation in West Africa, has an average happiness score of 3.138 out of 10. Although the country appears to be improving, the source notes that the aftereffects of a catastrophic civil war, which concluded in 2002, are still profoundly felt.
Significant issues continue to plague the nation, including instances of police brutality and limitations on media censorship.
These ongoing challenges and the lingering impact of past conflict contribute substantially to Sierra Leone’s low ranking in global happiness.
4: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s placement on the World Happiness Report is poor, with the country reporting an average happiness score of 3.204 out of 10.
Several factors contribute to this low ranking. These include high mortality rates among the population and growing economic uncertainty throughout the country.
A significant portion of the population faces extreme hardship, as 63 percent of the country’s residents are living in poverty.
This widespread poverty is identified as a key reason why happiness scores are low in Zimbabwe.
5: Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation in central Africa, has an average happiness score of 3.207 out of 10.
This low rating reflects a situation that Human Rights Watch describes as “dire”. The country is afflicted by numerous serious problems, including the presence of over 100 active militant groups.
Furthermore, there are 5.8 million displaced people within the country’s borders. A severe food crisis also continues to plague the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
6: Botswana
Botswana, located in southern Africa, earned an average happiness score of 3.435 out of 10. While it is considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies, the source highlights a unique political situation: the same political party has remained in power since the country gained independence in 1966.
The perception of political corruption arising from this long-standing single-party rule is cited as a possible reason contributing to Botswana’s relatively low score in the World Happiness Report.
7: Malawi
Economic instability is identified as a major factor contributing to Malawi’s low average happiness score of 3.495 out of 10.
This east African country continues to grapple with significant challenges. These challenges include widespread crop failures and limited access to essential resources like clean water.
Despite these difficulties, the source notes that humanitarian efforts are being implemented to try and improve the situation in this nation. Malawi is also described as being a mostly peaceful country.
8: Comoros
Comoros is an island nation situated off the eastern coast of Africa. It faces considerable challenges, struggling with both poverty and resource scarcity.
Compounding these issues is the presence of a state-run news network. This network is often accused of censorship, which limits the free flow of information and potentially contributes to citizen dissatisfaction.
The combination of economic hardship, limited resources, and media control creates a difficult environment, resulting in a low average happiness score of 3.545 out of 10.
9: Tanzania
Tanzania’s average happiness score is 3.694 out of 10. The source suggests that the situation in Tanzania is beginning to improve.
This positive outlook is partly attributed to new leadership and a strong tourism industry that is developing in the country.
However, significant challenges remain, as much of the country’s population still lives in poverty.
Despite current poverty levels, new economic developments, such as investment in offshore natural gas reserves, offer hope that Tanzania’s happiness score could potentially rise in the future.
10: Zambia
Zambia’s average happiness score is 3.982 out of 10. Several factors are identified as contributing to this score.
These include widespread inflation and significant inequality within the country. Poverty is highlighted as a major issue impacting happiness in Zambia.
The source notes that over 61 percent of the country’s nearly 20 million residents live below the poverty line. This high rate of poverty is a key element influencing the nation’s overall happiness rating.
11: Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation located off the coast of southern Africa. Despite the presence of a booming tourism industry, the country remains one of the world’s poorest.
The island is frequently affected by devastating cyclones, which cause significant damage and disruption. Additionally, the nation experiences political unrest and is plagued by violent crime.
These combined factors, including natural disasters, political instability, economic hardship, and crime, contribute to Madagascar’s low average happiness score of 4.019 out of 10.
12: India
India ranked twelfth from the bottom in the 2023 World Happiness Report. The country received an average happiness score of 4.036 out of 10.
The source attributes India’s poor rating to specific societal and political issues. These include concerns about religious persecution against Muslim minorities.
Furthermore, a crackdown on both media and free speech is cited as contributing to the country’s low ranking. These factors are presented as key reasons for the reported low levels of happiness.
13: Liberia
Liberia, recognized as Africa’s oldest republic, has an average happiness score of 4.042 out of 10. The country was severely affected by years-long civil wars in the 1990s.
These conflicts had a devastating impact, leaving Liberia on the verge of economic collapse. While the nation is currently described as being on the upswing and showing signs of recovery, significant challenges persist.
Poverty and resource scarcity continue to be major issues, contributing to the country’s happiness score remaining relatively low.
14: Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s low average happiness score of 4.091 out of 10 is significantly influenced by a violent conflict. A conflict that began in the Tigray region in November 2020 has since expanded, spilling over into other areas of the country.
This ongoing violence is highlighted as a major factor impacting the nation’s well-being. The source specifically mentions that issues such as ethnic cleansing and other heinous war crimes are occurring during this conflict, contributing to the country’s low ranking.
15: Jordan
Jordan has an average happiness score of 4.120 out of 10. This score is presented as reflecting a notable sense of unease among its citizens.
Several factors contribute to this prevailing unease within the country. These include instances of political unrest and media censorship.
Additionally, the nation has experienced a significant strain caused by an influx of Syrian refugees in recent years.
The combination of these internal and external pressures influences the country’s happiness rating.
Alicia Richards