South Africa's struggle for happiness: insights from the World Happiness Report 2025
A global report has released the rankings of the happiest and most miserable countries based on the wellbeing of its residents.
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In present-day South Africa, national affairs continue to spark conversations among citizens.
Social media platforms and online forums are filled with complaints about various issues.
However, these discussions arise not from disdain but from deep patriotic sentiment and a desire to address the country's challenges.
In May 2025, a group of 49 Afrikaners made headlines by leaving South Africa for the United States, claiming victimhood to discrimination and seeking refugee status.
The Trump administration extended this status to them, and reports indicated that the US Embassy in Pretoria was processing around 8,000 similar applications, potentially signalling a larger wave of Afrikaners relocating to the US.
Conversely, many African Americans are now seeking new beginnings in SA.
Motivated by factors such as a more welcoming environment and a desire to escape racial tensions in the US, the allure of SA's rich culture and lower cost of living resonates with many.
This juxtaposition of migration trends presents a complex picture of factors influencing an individual's happiness in a country.
Perceptions of places vary, and while some individuals thrive in one environment, others may struggle in another.
The World Happiness Report 2025 ranks countries based on their citizens' well-being.
It uses data from 147 countries and analyses various factors that contribute to happiness.
SA ranks 95th out of 147 countries assessed.
While this may seem like a decline from previous years, local happiness economists suggest that the data reflects a three-year rolling average, indicating that individual annual assessments might show a more positive view of wellbeing.
The report also highlights the happiest countries globally, with Nordic nations leading the rankings.
Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden are celebrated for their high public happiness and strong social organisations.
Their success starkly contrasts with the lowest-ranking nations, many of which face civil unrest, war, or natural disasters.
The World Happiness Report further lists the ten least happy countries, underscoring the societal challenges they face:
- Afghanistan (147)
- Sierra Leone (146)
- Lebanon (145)
- Malawi (144)
- Zimbabwe (143)
- Botswana (142)
- DR Congo (141)
- Yemen (140)
- Comoros (139)
- Lesotho (138)