KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan has once again ranked at the bottom of the latest global happiness rankings, being named the saddest country in the world.
In the 2026 World Happiness Report, published today (Saturday, April 4) by Visual Capitalist, Finland was recognized as the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year.
Iceland and Denmark ranked second and third, respectively, while Costa Rica and Sweden took fourth and fifth places.
In this ranking, Afghanistan placed 147th, following Sierra Leone and Moldova.
Afghanistan was also named the saddest country in the world in last year’s rankings.
Afghan citizens reported the lowest levels of positive emotions and were among those with the highest levels of negative emotions. Afghan women recorded the lowest average life satisfaction globally, at 1.26 out of 10, with the report noting that conditions remain particularly difficult for women.
Afghanistan’s neighbors, Pakistan and Iran, ranked 104th and 97th, respectively, both in the lower half amid ongoing economic and social challenges. Across Asia, Taiwan led at 26th, ahead of Japan (61st) and China (65th).
Rankings are based on self-reported life evaluations, measured by factors including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The report underscores the profound social, economic, and security challenges faced by Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives to improve the well-being and quality of life for its citizens, particularly in areas affected by conflict, poverty, and limited access to basic services.
