Nigeria ranks 105 out of 147 in the 2025 World Happiness Report, dropping from 102 in 2024 but is the 10th happiest in Africa. Finland retains its top position globally for the eighth year, while the U.S. and UK decline in rankings. Afghanistan is ranked as the unhappiest nation.
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Nigeria has been ranked 105 out of 147 countries, marking a decline from its 2024 position of 102. Despite this drop, Nigeria is recognized as the 10th happiest nation in Africa. The report’s release coincides with the International Day of Happiness, which is celebrated annually on March 20 since 2013.
Libya emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country, securing the 79th position globally, showcasing greater life satisfaction amidst ongoing challenges. Meanwhile, Finland continues to hold the title of the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden trailing closely. The Netherlands ranks fifth, followed by Israel at eighth and Luxembourg at ninth to round out the top 10.
The United States has dropped out of the top 20 for the first time, now ranking 24th. Historically, the U.S. enjoyed its highest rating of 11 back in 2012. The UK also recorded a decline, placing at 23, with its lowest life satisfaction average since 2017. Canada continues to remain in the top 20, despite a downward trend, ranking 18th.
Afghanistan is noted as the unhappiest country, ranked last at number 147, followed by Sierra Leone (146), Lebanon (145), Malawi (144), and Zimbabwe (143) as the five lowest-ranking nations. The World Happiness Report is produced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, in partnership with Gallup and the Oxford Centre for Well-Being Research.
The report evaluates happiness across populations, focusing on six key indicators: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. This year, it emphasized the effects of caring and sharing on overall happiness, highlighting significant variations both within and between nations.
The 2025 World Happiness Report reveals Nigeria’s decline in rank, landing at 105 while noting its position as the 10th happiest country in Africa. Libya leads in Africa overall, while Finland remains the happiest globally. The report underscores the ongoing decreases in happiness for countries like the U.S. and the UK and highlights the persistent unhappiness observed in Afghanistan.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
