The annual World Happiness Report divulges which countries are the merriest and which laws under the weight of sorrow. Evaluating global happiness levels includes factors such as people's freedom, health, and absence of corruption. Topping the list of the saddest countries is Afghanistan. India's placement on this list is quite disheartening as well.
What determines the World Happiness Report?
The report is primarily based on six aspects – social support, health, income, freedom, generosity, and the absence of corruption. A country not scoring well in these areas is considered to be among the saddest.
The world's 9 saddest countries
Afghanistan
At the bottom of the list of 137 countries, Afghanistan is deemed the saddest country. Under Taliban rule, it faces dire life expectancy, poverty, and hunger, with decades of conflict rendering its people's lives despair-filled.
Lebanon
Lebanon ranks second. It struggles with socio-political turmoil and economic instability, leaving its citizens deeply dissatisfied with society and governance.
Sierra Leone
In the global rank and first in Africa, Sierra Leone's poor economic state and political unrest foster discontent amongst its citizens. They struggle even for essentials, amidst rampant social chaos.
Zimbabwe
Fourth in line is Zimbabwe, confronted with various challenges causing widespread despondency and despair among its people.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Enduring long-conflicted strife, political upheaval, and forced migrations, Congo stands fifth, its people disillusioned and discontent with their nation's circumstances.
Botswana
Botswana's deficiency in political and social stability ranks it as the sixth saddest country, leaving its citizens far from content.
Malawi
Facing challenges like overpopulation and lack of resources, Malawi's citizens suffer in seventh place, unable to fulfill their basic needs in a failing economy.
Comoros
Labeled as the 'country of coups' due to its instability, Comoros' citizens live with discontent, making it the eighth saddest country.
Tanzania
At ninth place, Tanzania is tackling economic, social, and political instability, with its populace in a state of dejection.
Where does India stand?
Although not included in this list, India ranks disappointingly at the lower 12th among 137 countries, indicating it as the world's 12th saddest country. Despite its rapid economic ascension on the global front, its performance in the Happiness Report has not been heartening.
