Top 10 Saddest Countries in the World

Students often have it rough! With the rising cost of living crisis, mental health challenges, and university-related issues, it can be understandable when young people say they are having a tough time at the moment.

But, despite the challenges students face day-by-day, it’s always wise to have some perspective and insight into global issues and crises affecting countries around the world and can be useful in keeping informed on challenges across the globe.

Afghanistan

War, poverty, and instability are all too common in Afghanistan, leaving the general population in a state of despair over the years. Over 90% of people in the country live in poverty, relying on humanitarian aid for survival. 

Syria

Civil war has previously devastated the country of Syria, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world to visit. Food insecurity and lack of basic services affect millions across the nation.

Lebanon

Economic issues, widespread poverty, and instability are some of the more prominent issues Lebanon faces. Many people face unemployment, troubling inflation, and limited access to basic amenities, like food, water, and hygiene.

Yemen

Years of conflict have left Yemen amidst a well-known humanitarian crisis. Hunger, disease, and economic challenges are common struggles amongst those living across the country.

Zimbabwe

Economic crises, corruption, and poverty place Zimbabwe on this list. The declining tourism sector due to environmental issues exacerbates the nation’s struggles.

Central African Republic

The country has many resources available but suffers from political instability and limited healthcare and education access for its population under severe poverty.

Bangladesh

Despite recent economic growth, the country faces challenges with overpopulation and natural disasters which put a major strain across social and economic systems across the nation.

Haiti

Many years of political and economic unrest, along with significant and globally-known natural disasters (earthquakes and tsunamis), left Haiti as one of the poorest nations in the world. 

Botswana

Despite being an apparently relatively stable democracy amongst this list, Botswana faces mental health struggles driven by inequality amongst its population and a lack of access to mental health services, making it a significantly unhappy nation.

Rwanda

While the country has made more recent economic development, lacking freedom of expression and high unemployment contributes to unhappiness across the country.