The annual Global Happiness report has finally been released and with it, is a list of the world’s saddest nations on the planet.
The Global Happiness report now in its 7th year since it was first released in 2012, has changed things up. Forbes reports the old ranking system based on six variables: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity, has now been scrapped for a more wholesome approach. The 2019 report looked at happiness and the community, evaluating how technology, social norms, conflicts, and government policies are driving change.
The listing featuring 156 countries is often topped by Scandinavian countries including Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Inclusive policies for healthcare, education and a high standard of living often have citizens living their best life, with little to worry about. And despite the change in criteria, these Scandinavian countries still topped the list with Finland taking the top spot for the second year in a row.
However, this year the report also indexed the world’s saddest countries. With the world facing climate change, war and so many more issues, many third world countries and their citizens continue to languish in despair. Forbes reported Africa’s youngest nation South Sudan was named the unhappiest place in the world. War and civil unrest continued to play into the global index as the Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Tanzania, and Rwanda also featured in the world’s top 10 saddest nations.
World’s 10 Happiest Countries
1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Norway
4. Iceland
5. Netherlands
6. Switzerland
7. Sweden
8. New Zealand
9. Canada
10. Australia
World’s Saddest Countries
1. South Sudan
2. Central African Republic
3. Afghanistan
4. Tanzania
5. Rwanda
6. Yemen
7. Malawi
8. Syria
9. Botswana
10. Haiti