In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Nigeria ranks 105th out of 147 countries, falling from 102nd in 2024, yet it is the 10th happiest country in Africa. Libya leads Africa at 79th globally, while Finland remains the happiest country overall. The report highlights declines in happiness for the US and UK, and Afghanistan remains the least happy country.
Nigeria has been ranked 105th out of 147 countries in the 2025 World Happiness Report, which was revealed on Thursday coinciding with the International Day of Happiness. This ranking reflects a drop from 102 in 2024; however, Nigeria is now the 10th happiest country in Africa, demonstrating resilience amidst challenges.
In Africa, Libya ranked highest, taking the 79th position globally, indicating greater life satisfaction compared to its neighbors. Finland has maintained its status as the world’s happiest nation for eight consecutive years, followed by Nordic peers Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The Netherlands, Israel, and Luxembourg complete the top ten, holding the 5th, 8th, and 9th positions respectively.
The United States has slipped to 24th place, marking its first departure from the top 20 since last year, with a peak ranking of 11 in 2012. Similarly, the United Kingdom is now 23rd, reflecting the lowest average life satisfaction recorded since 2017. Canada remains in the top 20, currently at 18, although it too has witnessed a downward trend in happiness over the years.
Afghanistan, enduring a severe humanitarian crisis post-Taliban takeover in 2021, remains the least happy nation worldwide, ranked 147th. This is followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, occupying the bottom five positions in the happiness index.
The World Happiness Report, collaboratively released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Gallup, and the Oxford Center for Well-Being Research, analyzes happiness across nations. It utilizes six primary variables—GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption—to assess life evaluations. This year’s edition also highlights the significance of caring and sharing in enhancing happiness, demonstrating variability across different populations.
The 2025 World Happiness Report indicates a decline in Nigeria’s ranking, now positioned at 105th globally, showcasing its status as the 10th happiest nation in Africa. Libya leads the African rankings while Finland continues to reign as the happiest country worldwide. The report illuminates the varying degrees of happiness across nations, revealing notable declines in the US and UK as well as the ongoing struggles of Afghanistan. This year’s focus underscores the importance of social connections in promoting happiness.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
