Nigeria Ranks 105th in 2025 World Happiness Report, Analyzing Global Trends

Nigeria has been ranked 105th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, dropping from 102 in 2024, while being the 10th happiest in Africa. Libya leads the African rankings at 79, whereas Finland remains the happiest globally. The United States is now at 24th, and Afghanistan is last at 147.

On March 20, coinciding with the International Day of Happiness, the 2025 World Happiness Report revealed Nigeria’s ranking at 105 out of 147 countries. This represents a decline of three positions from its 2024 rank of 102. However, Nigeria has become the 10th happiest nation in Africa, reflecting a complex landscape of happiness despite various societal challenges.

Libya stands as Africa’s highest-ranked country, positioned at 79, demonstrating notable life satisfaction and societal well-being amid ongoing difficulties. The report highlights Finland as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, followed by other Nordic nations such as Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The Netherlands, Israel, and Luxembourg round out the top ten list, occupying the fifth, eighth, and ninth ranks, respectively.

The United States has fallen to 24th place, marking its first drop from the top 20 since 2012 when it achieved its highest position at 11. Similarly, the United Kingdom is now ranked 23rd, reflecting its lowest average life satisfaction since 2017. Canada remains in the top 20 at position 18 but has experienced a downward trend in happiness over the past decade.

Afghanistan continues to rank as the unhappiest nation globally, positioned at 147. Following Afghanistan are Sierra Leone at 146, Lebanon at 145, Malawi at 144, and Zimbabwe at 143, comprising the five lowest-ranking countries in the happiness index.

The World Happiness Report, published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network in collaboration with Gallup and the Oxford Center for Well-Being Research, analyzes happiness variations across different populations. It assesses six key factors including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

The 2025 World Happiness Report demonstrates the fluctuating happiness levels globally. Nigeria’s position at 105 reflects a slight decline, yet it remains among the top ten in Africa. Notably, Libya leads the continent, while Finland maintains its title as the happiest nation worldwide. The findings underscore significant differences in happiness across nations, influenced by diverse socioeconomic conditions and societal support.

Original Source: dailynigerian.com