Ethiopia has been ranked 132nd out of 147 countries in the 2025 World Happiness Report, underscoring significant challenges in areas such as social support, economic stability, and governance. The annual report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates global happiness based on factors like income, health, social connections, and perceptions of freedom and corruption.
The report reveals that Finland continues to lead as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland. At the other end of the spectrum, countries facing severe socio-economic and political challenges, such as Afghanistan (ranked last), South Sudan, and Lebanon, occupy the bottom positions. Ethiopia’s ranking places it among nations struggling with similar developmental hurdles.
Ethiopia’s position reflects ongoing challenges in improving living standards and fostering social cohesion. While the country has made strides in infrastructure development and economic reforms in recent years, issues such as conflict, inflation, and limited access to basic services have hindered progress.
The report highlights that social support remains a critical factor influencing happiness levels globally. In Ethiopia, limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities has contributed to lower life satisfaction scores. Additionally, perceptions of corruption and governance inefficiencies continue to weigh heavily on public sentiment.
Experts suggest that Ethiopia’s ranking underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve well-being. Investments in healthcare, education, and social safety nets could significantly enhance quality of life for citizens. Moreover, fostering trust in institutions through transparency and inclusive governance could help address public dissatisfaction.
Within Africa, Ethiopia’s ranking places it behind regional peers such as Kenya (ranked 121st) and Ghana (ranked 104th) but ahead of countries like Sudan (ranked 141st). The report notes that African nations generally face lower rankings due to widespread poverty and governance challenges but also highlights pockets of progress driven by community resilience and cultural factors.
The 2025 World Happiness Report emphasizes the importance of social connections, benevolence, and trust in shaping happiness levels worldwide. Despite global economic uncertainties, acts of kindness and community support have remained resilient post-pandemic. The report also calls for increased focus on mental health initiatives and equitable economic policies to bridge happiness gaps across nations.
