By David Yankay Sesay; Liberty Online TV.

Sierra Leone Ranked Least Happy in Africa and Second Least Happy Globally in 2025 Global Happiness Report

Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 has been ranked as the least happy country in Africa and the second least happy in the world, according to the latest Global Happiness Report 2025. The country placed 146th out of 147 nations, showing a significant decline of six positions from last year’s 140th ranking.

Over the past decade, Sierra Leone’s happiness score has steadily decreased by 1.320 points, reflecting a complex combination of economic, social, and political challenges. The nation now only trails Afghanistan (147th), which remains the lowest ranked country in the world. Other nations in the bottom five include Lebanon (145th), Malawi (144th), and Zimbabwe (143rd).

The World Happiness Report ranks countries based on several key factors, including gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Sierra Leone’s position at the lower end of the rankings indicates significant struggles in these areas, which play a crucial role in shaping the overall well being of its citizens.

Despite various attempts to improve the living conditions in the country, many Sierra Leoneans still face considerable hardship. Access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities remains limited, and the population continues to grapple with persistent socio economic disparities.

In contrast, the happiest countries globally, including Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, consistently perform well in social support, income, health, and individual freedoms. Notably, Costa Rica stands out as the only non European country to make the top six, reinforcing the importance of factors like social cohesion and overall well being in determining national happiness.

The findings of the Global Happiness Report 2025 highlight the urgent need for targeted efforts to address the underlying issues contributing to Sierra Leone’s low happiness ranking. Focusing on improving the quality of life, expanding access to essential services, and tackling corruption could pave the way for a brighter future and greater happiness for the people of Sierra Leone.