Top 15 Least Happiest Countries in Africa in 2025

A young African agitated protester ( Photo Credit : Victor Adewale )

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Sierra Leone has been ranked as the least happiest nation in Africa and the world in 2025. This grim distinction is a reflection of the unique challenges the country faces, including economic disparities, political instability, and social unrest. These factors contribute to the overall dissatisfaction experienced by its citizens, despite efforts to improve living conditions. In addition to Sierra Leone, other nations like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and several others in Africa are grappling with similar issues that impact their happiness and overall well-being.

The annual report, compiled by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with the United Nations and an independent editorial board, provides an in-depth look at the happiness index of nations. It evaluates countries based on six key factors: social support, GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

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Despite the challenges faced by many African nations, countries like Mauritius remain notable outliers, securing the position of the happiest country on the continent.

The 2025 rankings reveal that in addition to Sierra Leone, countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also rank among the least happy in the world. The main factors contributing to the low happiness scores in these nations include ongoing political instability, economic challenges, social inequality, and limited freedoms. This marks a stark contrast to the countries with higher happiness scores, where strong economies and stable political systems contribute to a better quality of life for their citizens.

Top 15 Least Happiest (Unhappiest) Countries in Africa in 2025

1. Sierra Leone

   • Worldwide Rank: 146
   • Happiness Score: 2.998

2. Malawi

   • Worldwide Rank: 144
   • Happiness Score: 3.260

3. Zimbabwe

   • Worldwide Rank: 143
   • Happiness Score: 3.396

4. Botswana

   • Worldwide Rank: 142
   • Happiness Score: 3.438

5. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

   • Worldwide Rank: 141
   • Happiness Score: 3.469

6. Comoros

   • Worldwide Rank: 139
   • Happiness Score: 3.754

7. Lesotho

   • Worldwide Rank: 138
   • Happiness Score: 3.757

8. Eswatini

   • Worldwide Rank: 137
   • Happiness Score: 3.774

9. Tanzania

   • Worldwide Rank: 136
   • Happiness Score: 3.800

10. Egypt

    • Worldwide Rank: 135
    • Happiness Score: 3.817

11. Ethiopia

    • Worldwide Rank: 132
    • Happiness Score: 3.898

12. Zambia

    • Worldwide Rank: 131
    • Happiness Score: 3.912

13. Madagascar

    • Worldwide Rank: 130
    • Happiness Score: 4.157

14. Liberia

    • Worldwide Rank: 129
    • Happiness Score: 4.277

15. Togo

    • Worldwide Rank: 127
    • Happiness Score: 4.315

FAQs

1. Why is Sierra Leone ranked the least happiest country in Africa in 2025?
Sierra Leone's ranking is primarily due to a combination of factors, including economic difficulties, political instability, and high levels of social unrest. These challenges severely impact the overall well-being and happiness of its citizens.

2. What factors are considered in the happiness ranking of countries?
The happiness ranking takes into account six key factors: social support, GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. These indicators help measure the quality of life and overall happiness in a given country.

3. Which African country is ranked the happiest in 2025?
Mauritius is ranked as the happiest country in Africa in 2025, contrasting with other nations that face various socio-economic challenges.

4. What challenges are contributing to the unhappiness in the bottom-ranked African nations?
Countries in the bottom ranks often experience economic instability, political unrest, corruption, lack of freedom, and social inequality, all of which contribute to low happiness scores. These issues hinder the ability of citizens to lead fulfilling lives.

5. Are there any improvements in the happiness of African countries?
While there are still many challenges, some African countries are making strides to improve their happiness rankings. Initiatives to strengthen economies, improve governance, and expand social services could lead to better happiness scores in the future.

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