By Nigeria Slips Further Down on Happiest Countries Rate, South Africa Tops in Africa
Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s standing in the global happiness rating has taken a further downturn, as revealed by the latest assessment report sponsored by the United Nations.
While Finland retains its position as the world’s happiest country, Nigeria, often hailed as the giant of Africa, has slipped to 102nd place, with South Africa topping the list in Africa.
This decline places Nigeria behind countries like Senegal and Azerbaijan, with an aggregate score of 4.883, according to the criteria outlined in the report.
The drop in Nigeria’s happiness ranking comes despite being home to over 200 million people and highlights challenges facing the nation’s populace.
More importantly, this decline signals a broader trend seen in other nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, both of which have also experienced drops in their respective ratings.
The UK fell one spot to 20th place, while the US plummeted eight places to 23rd, raising concerns about the overall well-being of citizens across different regions.
Experts analyzing the data have identified a troubling trend, particularly among younger adults in Africa, who appear to be experiencing a phenomenon akin to a ‘mid-life crisis.’
This depreciating factor shows the complex interplay between economic, social, and psychological factors that influence individuals’ happiness and well-being.
Now in its 12th year, the UN report draws on assessments of happiness from tens of thousands of people worldwide, combined with economic and social indicators.
The report assigns a happiness score on a scale of zero to 10, based on an average score over a three-year period.
