We all seem to chase happiness almost as if it’s snow on a hot summer day, an uncanny endeavor, isn’t it? As universal as this pursuit is, not every country provides an ideal canvas to paint a life of contentment and joy upon. Who wouldn’t want to dwell in a place that radiates happiness like a beacon? But, do such utopias even exist?
Ah, the World Happiness Report! An annual affair that ranks nations, shining a spotlight on the ones dancing in joy while subtly nudging those grappling with life’s harsher realities. Every year, this insightful report paints a vibrant picture of global well-being. It uncovers realities that are simultaneously stark and inspiring, illuminating nations that flourish and those that falter.
Interestingly, the perennial winners in the joy sweepstakes are nestled in the tranquil Nordic region. Finland, with its ethereal northern lights and a cultural inclination towards “sisu”, a term roughly translating to perseverance and determination, continues to earn its crown as the happiest country for eight years running! And then there’s Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway, trailing not too far behind. Little wonder, these nations have woven happiness into the very fabric of their societal structure.
However, flip the coin and there’s a different tale to be told. The spotlight then shifts to nations where joy seems elusive, like a shadow on a sunlit stair. The most recent World Happiness Report unmasks uncomfortable truths about countries weighed down by economic frailty, political instability, healthcare woes, and educational disparities. Many such nations are in Africa, reinforcing the reality that larger systemic issues can drain the color from everyday life.
Yet, amid challenges, some African nations stand out, defying the odds. Mauritius is a beacon of resilience, ranked 78th globally with a commendable happiness score of 5.832. Followed closely by Libya and Algeria, these nations have shown praiseworthy leaps in social and economic domains, nurturing a semblance of contentment.
Contrast this with Nigeria, where despite its vibrant culture and economic potential, happiness seems to be a mirage. Ranked 105th globally in the 2025 report, Nigeria epitomizes the ongoing struggle of Africa’s most populous nation in its quest for collective joy. Here, it’s not uncommon to ponder, what ignites the spark of national happiness?
The landscape grows bleaker when one arrives at Sierra Leone, Africa’s least happy nation, languishing at 146th on the global list with an echoingly low score of 2.998. Shadowing Sierra Leone are Malawi and Zimbabwe, reminding us that while numbers may try to quantify happiness, they often gloss over the intricate individual stories behind them.
Top 10 Least Happy Countries in Africa in 2025:
| Rank | Country | Score | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Leone | 2.998 | 146th |
| 2 | Malawi | 3.260 | 144th |
| 3 | Zimbabwe | 3.396 | 143rd |
| 4 | Botswana | 3.438 | 142nd |
| 5 | DR Congo | 3.469 | 141st |
| 6 | Lesotho | 3.757 | 138th |
| 7 | Eswatini | 3.774 | 137th |
| 8 | Tanzania | 3.800 | 136th |
| 9 | Egypt | 3.817 | 135th |
| 10 | Ethiopia | 3.898 | 132nd |
Such an exploration into happiness across continents reminds us of a poignant sentiment once expressed by Leo Tolstoy: “Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.” And so, as we reflect on these rankings, we might wonder, what more can be done globally to change the lens through which happiness is perceived and experienced?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
