The 2025 World Happiness Report ranks Nigeria 105th out of 147 nations, dropping from 2024’s 102nd position. Libya is the top African nation at 79th globally. Finland retains its spot as the happiest country, while the US and UK experience declining rankings. Afghanistan ranks last as the unhappiest country in the world. The report examines multiple factors contributing to happiness and coincides with the International Day of Happiness.
In the recently released 2025 World Happiness Report, Nigeria ranked 105 out of 147 nations. This represents a decline of three positions from its 2024 ranking of 102, while it maintains its status as the 10th happiest country in Africa. Despite this drop, the report highlights Nigeria’s relative happiness compared to its regional peers.
Libya emerged as the highest-ranked country in Africa, securing the 79th position globally, exhibiting higher life satisfaction amid ongoing challenges. Finland holds its position as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, with other Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden trailing closely behind.
The Netherlands ranks fifth, followed by Israel, Luxembourg, and a notable drop for the United States, now at 24, having fallen out of the top 20 for the first time last year. The United Kingdom has also seen a decline, now sitting at 23, reflecting the lowest average life satisfaction since 2017. Canada remains in the top 20 at number 18 despite a decade-long downward trend in happiness.
Afghanistan continues to rank as the unhappiest country in the world at 147, followed by Sierra Leone at 146, Lebanon at 145, Malawi at 144, and Zimbabwe at 143, which represent the lowest five countries in the happiness index.
The International Day of Happiness, celebrated annually on March 20 since 2013, coincides with the report’s release. The World Happiness Report is published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, in partnership with Gallup and the Oxford Center for Well-Being Research. It provides insight into how happiness varies across populations, examining key variables such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The 2025 World Happiness Report reveals Nigeria’s drop to 105th in global rankings, while showcasing its position as the 10th happiest nation in Africa. Notably, Libya leads the African continent at 79th globally. The report outlines happiness trends in various nations, highlighting challenges faced by countries such as the United States and Afghanistan. It emphasizes the importance of social variables in measuring happiness across populations, illustrating the significant disparities both within and between nations.
Original Source: businessday.ng
