The World Happiness Report is a global ranking of countries based on factors that contribute to the well-being and happiness of their populations.
These include income, social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
However, there are countries where these factors are severely lacking, resulting in low happiness scores.
In 2024, a number of countries found themselves at the bottom of this ranking, revealing the major challenges their citizens face in leading happy and fulfilling lives. Below is a deeper look into these countries and the reasons for their rankings.
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan holds the lowest rank in the 2024 World Happiness Report with a score of 1.859 out of 10. Years of continuous conflict, political instability, and ongoing human rights violations have devastated the country.
The return of the Taliban in 2021 has led to widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women and girls, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and employment.
For many Afghans, basic safety and security are daily concerns, and economic hardship has worsened in the face of political turmoil.
With a fragile healthcare system, few educational opportunities, and a lack of access to basic services, happiness is difficult to attain in such an environment.
2. Lebanon
Lebanon’s happiness score of 2.392 reflects the deep-rooted challenges the country has faced in recent years.
Once a vibrant middle-income nation, Lebanon has been plunged into one of the worst economic crises in modern history.
Over 80% of the population now lives below the poverty line, and inflation is spiraling out of control. The political paralysis and corruption within the government have exacerbated the situation, leaving citizens without basic public services such as electricity, clean water, and reliable healthcare.
These conditions have made daily life extremely difficult for most Lebanese people, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and disillusionment.
3. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, with a happiness score of 3.138, is still struggling to recover from the horrors of its civil war, which ended in 2002. The country faces high unemployment rates, extreme poverty, and a lack of infrastructure.
Though there has been progress in rebuilding, the effects of the war, such as widespread trauma, a poor education system, and inadequate healthcare, continue to hinder the population’s ability to lead fulfilling lives.
Additionally, issues like police brutality and censorship of the media further contribute to a climate of frustration and fear among the citizens.
4. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, with a happiness score of 3.204, remains trapped in a cycle of economic instability. Hyperinflation, skyrocketing unemployment, and a collapsing healthcare system have made life extremely difficult for many Zimbabweans.
The country has faced significant political and economic mismanagement over the past few decades, and while some improvements have been made, these challenges persist.
The high mortality rates, particularly due to the lack of healthcare, and the widespread poverty have left the population struggling to meet basic needs, contributing to the nation’s low happiness ranking.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) scores 3.207, largely due to its ongoing conflict, humanitarian crises, and severe poverty.
Despite being rich in natural resources, the DRC suffers from chronic political instability, with over 100 active militant groups operating across the country.
Coupled with widespread food insecurity, lack of clean water, and inadequate healthcare, the people of the DRC are among the least happy in the world.
The constant threat of violence, displacement, and economic hardship has led to a deep sense of hopelessness for many citizens.
6. Botswana
Botswana’s happiness score of 3.435 is low considering its relatively stable democracy compared to many other African nations.
However, Botswana faces significant challenges that impact its citizens’ well-being. Economic inequality, political corruption, and high unemployment rates have stunted the country’s progress in improving the quality of life for many.
Although Botswana has a relatively strong economy, many of its citizens still face limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, contributing to a low happiness ranking.
7. Malawi
With a happiness score of 3.484, Malawi faces many challenges, including economic instability, high poverty rates, and the effects of climate change.
Droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns make agriculture difficult, which is the main source of income for the majority of the population.
The country also suffers from a lack of infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to education, all of which contribute to low happiness levels.
The high level of food insecurity exacerbates the situation, as many people struggle to meet even their most basic needs.
8. Lesotho
Lesotho’s happiness score of 3.516 is influenced by high unemployment, limited access to healthcare, and political instability.
Though the country has a relatively high level of political freedom, economic challenges and social inequality persist.
Unemployment rates remain stubbornly high, particularly among young people, and many citizens lack access to quality education and healthcare services.
These factors contribute to widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of life in Lesotho, lowering its overall happiness score.
9. Eswatini
Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, ranks with a happiness score of 3.566. The country’s political system is highly centralized, and political repression is a significant concern.
Freedom of expression and political participation are limited, which creates a sense of frustration among the population.
Additionally, Eswatini faces severe economic hardships, with high unemployment rates and a lack of access to essential services like healthcare and education.
These challenges contribute to a pervasive sense of unhappiness and insecurity among its citizens.
10. Zambia
Zambia, with a happiness score of 3.667, has seen some economic growth in recent years, but widespread poverty, high unemployment, and inadequate public services continue to hinder the country’s progress.
While the country’s natural resources, including copper, provide opportunities for development, many Zambians still struggle with access to quality healthcare and education.
These challenges, combined with ongoing economic instability, prevent the majority of the population from experiencing high levels of happiness.
11. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) scores 3.674, ranking it among the least happy countries in the world. Decades of armed conflict and instability have ravaged the country, leaving its citizens without basic services or security.
Violence and displacement continue to affect millions, and the humanitarian situation remains dire. The lack of a stable government, reliable healthcare, and education systems all contribute to the overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction among the population.
12. South Sudan
South Sudan, which has a happiness score of 3.682, remains deeply affected by the aftermath of its civil war.
As one of the world’s youngest nations, South Sudan has struggled with widespread poverty, displacement, and a lack of infrastructure.
The conflict has left the country’s institutions weak, and the citizens face high levels of violence, poor healthcare, and limited access to education. These conditions create an environment where happiness is a distant aspiration for many.
13. Chad
Chad ranks with a happiness score of 3.692. The country is marred by political instability, widespread poverty, and a lack of essential services.
The ongoing conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited opportunities for social mobility all contribute to a low quality of life.
With little access to healthcare or education and no political freedoms, the people of Chad face daily struggles that negatively impact their well-being and happiness.
14. Sudan
Sudan’s happiness score of 3.701 is reflective of the internal conflicts, economic sanctions, and the absence of basic services in the country.
Political instability, economic challenges, and a lack of security have left many Sudanese citizens in dire situations.
The economy is in shambles, healthcare is scarce, and education is often out of reach for many, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
15. Niger
Niger, with a score of 3.710, faces a combination of challenges that contribute to its low happiness ranking.
Food insecurity, extreme poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare make life difficult for many people in the country.
The government’s inability to address these issues, combined with recurring environmental disasters such as droughts, leaves the population struggling to meet basic needs, impacting overall happiness.
Alicia Richards