The World Happiness Report 2025, released earlier this year, offers a sobering insight into the global state of well-being. Ranking 147 countries based on factors such as income, life expectancy, social support, and freedom, the report reveals more than just economic prosperity—it reflects the deeper emotional and social realities faced by people worldwide. For travellers with a keen eye, these rankings hint at the lived experiences of the communities they might visit. Below are the ten countries with the lowest happiness rankings in 2025: (Image: Canva)
2/12
1. Afghanistan Decades of war, political upheaval, and humanitarian crises have left Afghanistan the least happy country, with a population enduring severe hardships and ongoing instability affecting everyday life and national morale. (Image: Canva)
3/12
2. Sierra Leone Despite progress in governance, Sierra Leone struggles with widespread poverty, inadequate healthcare, and limited education, resulting in low optimism and quality of life for many of its citizens. (Image: Canva)
4/12
3. Lebanon Once a cultural hub, Lebanon faces economic collapse and political unrest. Declining public services and infrastructure have driven the country into deep social and financial crises, impacting overall happiness. (Image: Canva)
4. Malawi Malawi’s rich cultural heritage contrasts with its struggles against poor infrastructure, scarce resources, and limited opportunities, particularly for youth, leading to one of the lowest happiness scores worldwide. (Image: Canva)
6/12
5. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe suffers from hyperinflation, economic instability, and weak governance. These factors undermine public confidence, resulting in a population that often experiences uncertainty and diminished well-being. (Image: Canva)
7/12
6. Botswana Although politically stable, Botswana faces high unemployment and health challenges, including HIV/AIDS. These issues continue to hinder social welfare and happiness among its citizens. (Image: Canva)
8/12
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo Persistent conflict, mass displacement, and poverty overshadow the DRC’s vast natural resources. Social unrest and insecurity contribute heavily to its low ranking on happiness indices. (Image: Canva)
8. Yemen Years of devastating civil war have crippled Yemen’s infrastructure and economy. Famine and lack of basic services severely affect the daily lives of millions. (Image: Canva)
10/12
9. Comoros This small island nation struggles with economic stagnation, fragile political structures, and youth unemployment, which dampen prospects for growth and happiness among its people. (Image: Canva)
11/12
10. Lesotho Despite stunning landscapes, Lesotho battles extreme poverty, high disease rates, and limited economic opportunities, factors that significantly lower the quality of life for many residents. (Image: Canva)
12/12
India’s Standing: A Complex Picture India finds itself ranked 118th out of 147 countries in the 2025 report. While not among the very lowest, this position reflects ongoing challenges: disparities in income, social tensions, mental health concerns, and political polarisation. Yet, India’s vibrant culture, rapid urban development, and growing wellness initiatives offer promise for the future. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
