The latest World Happiness Report 2026 has again ranked Afghanistan as the unhappiest country in the world.
The World Happiness Report 2026, published annually with the aegis of the United Nations, ranks countries according to factors such as their GDP per capita, social support, freedom to make choices, life expectancy, and levels of corruption. Afghanistan ranked last among 146 countries, continuing a trend seen in recent years.
Also Read | THIS Indian city treats ice cream like a daily ritual: Here’s why
Countries at the bottom of the list
After Afghanistan, countries such as Sierra Leone and Malawi are ranked at the bottom of the list.
Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are ranked at low levels of happiness due to factors such as economic instability, inflation, and political issues. Botswana appears further down the list, with inequality and limited access to healthcare and education cited as contributing factors.
Why these countries rank low
Some common factors can be identified across these countries. Ongoing conflict, economic difficulties, and political instability continue to define the lives of people.
In case of Afghanistan, women’s educational and professional restrictions, along with other governance-related factors, have led to an uncertain environment. In other countries such as Sierra Leone and Malawi, people continue to live with poverty, lack of food, and other unmet needs.
Also Read | Why ‘Good’ Friday? The story and significance behind the name
The report has identified that people in these countries live with an uncertain environment each day. Some of these factors might be the result of conflict, inflation, or lack of institutional support.
In these countries, corruption is another major factor that has added to the problem, making it difficult for both national and international efforts to bring about positive change in people’s lives.
