Saddest Countries in the World 2024 – Updated List Top 10

Saddest Countries in the World 2024

As human beings, we experience a range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, and surprise. Sadness, like any other emotion, is temporary and should not be dwelled upon for an extended period as it can cause havoc. Sadness is a melancholic feeling that arises from events that lead to disappointment or discouragement. While it is normal to feel sad, excessive sadness can impede productivity and progress.

Similarly, the productivity level of a country depends on the mindset of its citizens and how they relate, react, and respond to their circumstances. Although the happenings in a country can influence its citizens’ emotions, ultimately, the people make up the country. Happiness is relative and varies depending on the circumstances surrounding a particular group of people.

The United Nations conducts research regularly to determine the happiest and saddest countries globally, which is vital in guiding policy-making and serving as a guide for people intending to travel for reasons such as tourism or relocation.

Top 10 Saddest Country in the World 2024

Below listed are the top 10 Saddest countries in the world. Have a read!

1. Afghanistan

The World Happiness Report has ranked Afghanistan as the saddest country in the world, even prior to the Taliban taking over its leadership a year ago. Out of 149 surveyed countries, Afghanistan ranked last. The country, officially known as the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, has Kabul as its capital and largest city, and is considered the heart of Asia due to its proximity to many other Asian countries. The population of Afghanistan is estimated to be 40.2 million, and the major ethnic groups include Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks.

Despite being rich in natural resources, such as iron, gold, oil, natural gas, bauxite, coal, copper, gypsum, ore, rare earth elements, chromium, lead, zinc, gemstones, sulphur, lithium, and marble, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s saddest countries. This serves as a reminder that wealth doesn’t necessarily equate to happiness. Moreover, the ongoing war in the country has led to widespread violence and instability, leaving citizens primarily concerned with their safety and security.

2. South Sudan

South Sudan is a landlocked country bordered by Kenya, Ethiopia, Central Africa Republic, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its capital is Juba, and it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The population of South Sudan is mainly African cultures with Christian beliefs. However, despite being independent for eight years, the country’s economic development journey has been poor. It is plagued by various challenges such as underdevelopment, poverty, and political crises.

3. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, located in southern Africa, has an estimated population of 15 million people and is home to 16 different languages, with English, Shona, and Ndebele being the most commonly spoken. Despite tourism being a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, the country has recently experienced a decline due to deforestation and poaching. With a government that appears to be dictatorial, more than half of the population is struggling. The high unemployment rate and lack of basic amenities have left citizens in a state of despair, which is why it is not surprising that Zimbabwe is considered one of the saddest countries in the world.

4. Rwanda

Rwanda, the African country known for its dense population, is ranked fourth in the world in terms of population density. It experiences two rainy and dry seasons annually. The country is predominantly made up of one cultural group, the Banyarwanda. However, despite the cultural richness, freedom of speech is not upheld, and this has resulted in a lack of expression by both the media and citizens. This lack of freedom to express oneself leads to sadness and can also lead to anger. In addition, the high cost of living, high unemployment rate, and unfair justice system contribute to the country’s low ranking as one of the saddest countries in the world.

5. The Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It gained independence from France in 1960. It has a population of around 5 million people and its official languages are French and Sango. The CAR is a resource-rich country, but it has been plagued by conflict and instability for many years. The ongoing conflict has left the country with a collapsed economy, a lack of basic services such as healthcare and education, and widespread poverty. The conflict has also led to displacement, with around 25% of the population having been forced to flee their homes.

6. Tanzania

Tanzania is a country in East Africa. It is known for its wildlife, which includes the “big five” animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961. Tanzania has a population of around 62 million people and its official languages are Swahili and English. Despite being rich in natural resources, Tanzania is also one of the poorest countries in the world. It has been facing challenges such as poverty, corruption, political unrest, and a lack of access to basic services like healthcare and education. These challenges have contributed to the country being ranked among the saddest countries in the world.

7. Syria

Syria is a Middle Eastern country that has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011. The war started with anti-government protests, which were met with a violent crackdown by the government. Since then, the conflict has escalated into a full-blown war, with various factions fighting for control of different parts of the country. The war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians being displaced from their homes, both internally and as refugees in neighbouring countries. The United Nations has estimated that more than 13 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical care.

The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the country’s economy, with many businesses and industries being destroyed or disrupted. Infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and hospitals, has been damaged or destroyed, and access to basic services like electricity and clean water is limited in many parts of the country. The war has also taken a heavy toll on the Syrian people, with many experiencing trauma and loss. There have been reports of widespread human rights abuses, including torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings. The conflict has also exacerbated sectarian tensions, with different ethnic and religious groups targeted for violence and discrimination.

8. Botswana

Botswana, with Gaborone as its capital, is an English-speaking country in southern Africa known for its wildlife reserves, including habitats for big cats and elephants. It is also the best place to observe meerkats and is one of the world’s leading diamond producers. Despite its natural beauty and resources, the country has been ranked among the saddest countries in the world. Several factors contribute to this, including a lack of social support, income inequality, and low generosity. Furthermore, the country’s president has been reported as being unhappy, which may contribute to the overall sentiment of the nation.

9. Yemen

Yemen is a West Asian country that is predominantly mountainous. Despite its rich cultural heritage and strategic location, Yemen remains one of the poorest countries in the Arabian Peninsula, with a population of over 29 million people. The country’s current humanitarian crisis is considered to be one of the worst in the world, with widespread hunger, poverty, and disease affecting the population. In recent years, Yemen has been plagued by a civil war that has led to numerous attacks on civilians, displacement of people, and destruction of infrastructure. The conflict has made access to basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare extremely difficult, and has resulted in high rates of malnutrition and disease. Additionally, Yemen is facing one of the worst cholera outbreaks in history, with over 2 million suspected cases and 4,000 deaths reported since 2016.

The crisis in Yemen has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further strained an already fragile healthcare system. The pandemic has also led to a decline in the country’s economy, with many businesses and industries affected by restrictions and closures. As a result, unemployment rates are high, and basic amenities such as electricity and clean water are often scarce. In summary, Yemen’s challenging geography, ongoing conflict, humanitarian crisis, and now the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the country’s ranking as one of the saddest in the world. The Yemeni people continue to face significant challenges, and urgent action is needed to address the underlying causes of the crisis and alleviate their suffering.

10. Malawi

Malawi, located in southeastern Africa, is famous for its vast Lake Malawi and highlands. The country is home to numerous beautiful cultures that make it an attractive tourist destination. Despite its cultural richness, Malawi’s economy heavily relies on agriculture and is constantly plagued by climate shocks, overpopulation, and inequality issues. Due to its low economic growth, Malawi has been classified as a sad country after being included in a survey conducted for the World Happiness Report.

Which is the Saddest Country in the World?

According to the World Happiness Report 2022, South Sudan is ranked as the saddest country in the world. South Sudan has been facing a protracted civil war since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, resulting in widespread violence, displacement, and economic turmoil. These factors have contributed to a low life expectancy, high poverty rates, and limited access to education and healthcare. The country also faces ongoing challenges, including food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and limited infrastructure. The conflict has resulted in severe psychological trauma for many South Sudanese people, leading to high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of mental health resources and support exacerbates the problem, making it challenging for people to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced.

Furthermore, South Sudan has also been affected by climate change, with flooding and droughts affecting food security and livelihoods. The country is among the most vulnerable in the world to the impacts of climate change, and the situation is likely to worsen in the coming years. It’s essential to recognize that the people living in South Sudan are resilient and continue to persevere despite the challenges they face. However, the country requires significant support from the international community to address the underlying issues and improve the well-being of its citizens.

Which was the Unhappiest Country in the World 2022?

According to the World Happiness Report 2022, Afghanistan and Lebanon are ranked as the unhappiest countries in the world.

Afghanistan has been embroiled in a long-standing conflict, including the recent Taliban takeover, which has led to widespread violence, displacement, and economic turmoil. These factors have contributed to a low life expectancy, high poverty rates, and limited access to education and healthcare. As a result, Afghanistan has consistently ranked at the bottom of the happiness index.

Lebanon has also been facing a range of crises, including a financial and economic collapse, political instability, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have led to high levels of inflation, unemployment, and poverty, making it challenging for many Lebanese people to access basic necessities. Additionally, Lebanon has experienced a series of devastating explosions and ongoing conflict, leading to widespread physical and emotional trauma among its citizens.

It’s important to note that the rankings are based on various factors, including economic and social indicators, as well as subjective measures of well-being such as life satisfaction and happiness. While Afghanistan and Lebanon are ranked as the unhappiest countries, the people living there may still find joy and meaning in their lives despite the challenges they face.

What are the Other Saddest Countries in the World?

According to the World Happiness Report 2022, here is a list of the ten saddest countries in the world:

1. South Sudan
2. Afghanistan
3. Yemen
4. Haiti
5. Central African Republic
6. Malawi
7. Syria
8. Lesotho
9. Liberia
10. Guinea

It’s important to note that the ranking of countries can vary depending on the specific report and the factors considered. The factors considered in the World Happiness Report include GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption

What are the Significant Reasons Behind Unhappiest Countries in the World?

The countries with low per capita GDP, low life expectancy, insufficient public healthcare facilities, lack of freedom of choice in social and political space, and high levels of corruption are often considered the saddest places to live in the world. However, it’s important to note that these factors don’t necessarily indicate that the country is the worst place to live.

For instance, India is the world’s largest democracy, has an economy of over 3.5 trillion US dollars, and is the second-most populated country in the world. Yet, it ranks 144th on the happiness index among 153 countries. Despite this, many Indians, regardless of their economic status, are content with living in the country.

It’s crucial to recognize that happiness is subjective and can be influenced by several factors beyond economic and political stability. Therefore, while rankings and statistics provide valuable insights, they don’t always tell the whole story.

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