While citizens of countries like the United States enjoy freedoms, safety nets, and relative political stability that contribute to higher levels of happiness, many around the world face an entirely different reality.
The 2023 World Happiness Report, based on data from the Gallup World Poll, surveyed over 1,000 individuals from each of 137 nations.
Respondents ranked their happiness on a scale from 0 (worst possible life) to 10 (best possible life). The results are sobering for several countries where residents consistently report low levels of happiness.
These low scores reflect not just fleeting emotions, but long-standing issues like political instability, poverty, war, and human rights violations.
Below are 15 of the lowest-ranking countries on the happiness scale and the reasons why their citizens continue to struggle.
1. Afghanistan – 1.859/10
Afghanistan ranks as the world’s unhappiest country, and by a significant margin. The Taliban’s return to power has brought severe restrictions on women’s rights, free speech, and personal freedoms.
Ongoing violence, economic collapse, and lack of access to education and healthcare contribute to a bleak outlook for many Afghans. Amid a humanitarian crisis, the average happiness score fell to a dismal 1.859.
2. Lebanon – 2.392/10
Once considered the “Paris of the Middle East,” Lebanon has suffered a devastating economic collapse since 2019.
Extreme government mismanagement, hyperinflation, and political paralysis have driven nearly 80% of the population below the poverty line.
Banks have frozen people’s savings, and fuel, food, and medical supplies are scarce. This turmoil has resulted in a very low happiness score of 2.392.
3. Sierra Leone – 3.138/10
Although Sierra Leone is recovering from a brutal civil war that ended in 2002, its people still live with the conflict’s aftershocks.
Widespread poverty, poor infrastructure, and ongoing issues like police brutality and media suppression create an environment where happiness is elusive. These challenges have led to a low score of 3.138.
4. Zimbabwe – 3.204/10
Economic instability, hyperinflation, and high unemployment continue to plague Zimbabwe. The government struggles with corruption and a lack of public services.
With a life expectancy among the lowest in the world and 63% of the population living in poverty, it’s no surprise that the average happiness score is 3.204.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 3.207/10
The DRC is rich in natural resources, but decades of conflict, displacement, and mismanagement have left the population in crisis.
According to Human Rights Watch, the country remains dire, with over 5.8 million people displaced and over 100 militant groups active. A severe food crisis only worsens the daily struggles of millions, leading to a 3.207 score.
6. Botswana – 3.435/10
While Botswana is one of Africa’s more stable democracies, its political landscape has been dominated by the same ruling party since independence in 1966.
Many citizens view this as undemocratic, and the perception of political stagnation affects public morale. Despite economic progress, the happiness score remains low at 3.435.
7. Malawi – 3.495/10
Malawi is a peaceful nation, but that peace hasn’t translated into prosperity. Frequent crop failures, limited access to clean water, and widespread economic instability make daily life extremely difficult. Humanitarian efforts are underway, but for now, the happiness score is just 3.495.
8. Comoros – 3.545/10
This small island nation struggles with chronic poverty, resource scarcity, and poor governance. Accusations of media censorship and lack of political freedoms compound the challenges.
Despite its natural beauty, Comoros’ residents report low well-being, with a score of 3.545.
9. Tanzania – 3.694/10
Tanzania has recently experienced positive changes, including new leadership and a growing tourism sector.
However, much of the population still grapples with poverty, limited access to healthcare, and underemployment.
While investment in offshore natural gas reserves may improve the future, current happiness remains low at 3.694.
10. Zambia – 3.982/10
More than 61% of Zambia’s 20 million residents live below the poverty line. Inflation, limited economic opportunities, and inequality continue to impact daily life.
These factors contribute to the country’s 3.982 average happiness score, despite a relatively peaceful environment.
11. Madagascar – 4.019/10
Located off Africa’s southeastern coast, Madagascar faces a unique set of challenges. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it remains one of the world’s poorest countries.
Recurring cyclones, environmental degradation, political unrest, and high crime rates all contribute to its low happiness score of 4.019.
12. India – 4.036/10
India’s low ranking on the happiness scale is surprising to some, given its rapid economic growth and technological advancements.
However, internal issues like religious intolerance, especially against Muslim minorities, along with press censorship and increasing authoritarianism, have created an atmosphere of unease. These issues result in an average happiness score of 4.036.
13. Liberia – 4.042/10
Liberia is Africa’s oldest republic, but it’s still recovering from a devastating series of civil wars in the 1990s.
These conflicts destroyed the economy and infrastructure. Although some progress has been made, poverty and lack of access to basic services persist. This results in a happiness score of 4.042.
14. Ethiopia – 4.091/10
Ethiopia’s internal conflict, especially in the Tigray region, has been a humanitarian catastrophe. Since 2020, the nation has been rocked by violence, ethnic cleansing, and displacement.
Ongoing political instability and regional tensions have dragged down national morale, reflected in a score of 4.091.
15. Jordan – 4.120/10
Although Jordan is seen as more stable than many of its neighbors, it faces its own challenges. Political repression, censorship, and high youth unemployment remain ongoing issues.
The influx of Syrian refugees has placed added pressure on housing and public services. These factors contribute to Jordan’s average happiness score of 4.120.
Alicia Richards