The World Happiness Report ranks countries based on key indicators such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
While many nations score high due to stability, health, and economic prosperity, others lag behind, often because of conflict, poverty, and political instability.
Below are the 15 least happy countries in the world according to the 2023 report, along with the core factors affecting their rankings.
1. Afghanistan – Happiness Score: 1.859/10
Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the global happiness rankings for yet another year. The country has been plagued by decades of conflict, foreign intervention, and domestic instability.
The return of the Taliban to power in 2021 has resulted in sweeping crackdowns on women’s rights, media freedom, and education, especially for girls. Millions are living in poverty, and humanitarian aid is often restricted.
Fear, uncertainty, and a lack of opportunities dominate the lives of the Afghan people, leading to a dismal happiness score.
2. Lebanon – Happiness Score: 2.392/10
Once known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” Lebanon has seen a dramatic decline in its quality of life.
An economic crisis that began in 2019, largely due to political corruption and fiscal mismanagement, has left the nation in financial ruin.
The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value, and banks have limited access to funds. Nearly 80% of the population now lives below the poverty line.
Basic necessities like electricity, healthcare, and fuel are often in short supply, fueling widespread despair.
3. Sierra Leone – Happiness Score: 3.138/10
Sierra Leone is still healing from the scars of a brutal civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002. Though peace has returned, the country faces systemic challenges.
Rampant poverty, police brutality, and government restrictions on press freedom continue to affect daily life.
Healthcare and education systems are underfunded and overstretched. While there is hope for future progress, current conditions leave many citizens feeling disempowered and vulnerable.
4. Zimbabwe – Happiness Score: 3.204/10
Zimbabwe’s prolonged economic decline has created a dire situation for much of the population. The country faces high inflation, widespread unemployment, and one of the highest poverty rates in Africa, with over 60% of citizens living below the poverty line.
Power shortages, water access issues, and political instability are regular challenges. While the nation has a rich history and resilient people, daily life remains extremely difficult for the majority.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo – Happiness Score: 3.207/10
The DRC continues to struggle under the weight of violent conflict, political corruption, and humanitarian crises. Over 100 armed groups operate within its borders, displacing more than 5.8 million people.
Human Rights Watch describes the situation as “dire,” with war crimes, sexual violence, and food insecurity rampant across the nation.
Despite vast natural resources, most Congolese people see little benefit, and safety remains elusive for many.
6. Botswana – Happiness Score: 3.435/10
Despite being one of Africa’s most politically stable nations, Botswana finds itself on this list due to long-standing inequality and limited political reform.
The country has been governed by the same political party since its independence in 1966, which has led to accusations of systemic corruption and stagnation.
While Botswana has a relatively high GDP per capita and successful anti-HIV programs, happiness levels remain low due to social inequality and limited upward mobility for large portions of the population.
7. Malawi – Happiness Score: 3.495/10
Malawi is often praised for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly people, but its low happiness score reflects significant economic hardship.
Much of the country relies on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change and crop failures. Access to healthcare, clean water, and electricity is still limited in many rural areas.
Although humanitarian aid has helped improve some conditions, the struggle to meet basic needs leaves many Malawians living in uncertainty.
8. Comoros – Happiness Score: 3.545/10
This small island nation in the Indian Ocean suffers from widespread poverty and limited access to resources.
Despite its picturesque location, Comoros struggles with food security, poor infrastructure, and a stagnant economy.
Media in the country is largely controlled by the state, and accusations of censorship are common. Political instability and contested elections have also contributed to public dissatisfaction.
9. Tanzania – Happiness Score: 3.694/10
While Tanzania has seen some recent improvements thanks in part to a growing tourism industry and natural gas investments poverty still affects large segments of the population.
Limited access to healthcare and education, especially in rural areas, keeps happiness levels low. Corruption and historical restrictions on freedom of expression have also played a role.
However, the country is starting to see signs of change under new leadership, offering hope for future improvements.
10. Zambia – Happiness Score: 3.982/10
Zambia faces multiple challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and a growing wealth gap. Over 60% of Zambians live below the poverty line, and access to essential services remains limited.
Economic instability, driven by national debt and dependence on copper exports, has led to rising costs for everyday goods.
While recent elections have raised hopes for reform, many citizens continue to struggle with daily hardships.
11. Madagascar – Happiness Score: 4.019/10
Despite its rich biodiversity and potential for tourism, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Devastating cyclones, deforestation, and poor infrastructure have crippled economic development. Political unrest and violent crime further contribute to an unstable environment.
Though tourists may see beauty, locals contend with scarcity, unemployment, and underfunded public services, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
12. India – Happiness Score: 4.036/10
India’s position on the happiness index is surprisingly low for such a large and growing economy. Key factors contributing to its low score include rising religious tensions, particularly concerning the treatment of Muslim minorities, and increasing media censorship.
Economic inequality is vast, with millions lacking access to healthcare, sanitation, and education. While parts of the country thrive, many others feel excluded from progress and development.
13. Liberia – Happiness Score: 4.042/10
Liberia is still grappling with the legacy of two devastating civil wars that ravaged the nation in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Although democracy has returned, economic recovery has been slow. The country faces high unemployment, poverty, and limited access to healthcare and education.
Efforts to rebuild infrastructure and attract investment are underway, but for many Liberians, daily life remains a challenge.
14. Ethiopia – Happiness Score: 4.091/10
Ethiopia’s happiness ranking has dropped sharply due to the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region and associated humanitarian crises.
Since 2020, civil war, ethnic violence, and allegations of war crimes have destabilized the nation. Millions have been displaced, and food insecurity is widespread.
Despite its historical significance and past economic growth, Ethiopia is currently facing one of the most serious internal conflicts in the world.
15. Jordan – Happiness Score: 4.120/10
Jordan’s relatively stable government faces ongoing challenges related to economic stagnation, media restrictions, and political repression.
The arrival of over a million Syrian refugees in recent years has placed additional strain on housing, employment, and healthcare systems.
Although Jordan is safer than many of its neighbors, the lack of job opportunities and democratic reform weighs heavily on the public mood.
Alicia Richards