Eswatini has been named one of the saddest countries in Africa, ranking fifth on the continent and 137th globally in the World Happiness Report 2026.
The report, released on March 19 ahead of the International Day of Happiness, assigns the kingdom an average life evaluation score of 3.909 out of 10, placing it among the lowest-performing countries worldwide.
Within Africa, only Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Botswana rank lower.
The World Happiness Report, produced annually by a consortium of researchers in partnership with the United Nations, measures how people evaluate their own lives.
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It draws on global survey data and assesses six key indicators: social support, income (GDP per capita), healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption.
Across Africa, the 2026 rankings reveal a pattern in which countries facing prolonged socio-economic pressures dominate the lower tier.
The kingdom’s position reflects both structural and social pressures that continue to shape everyday life.
A review of past rankings shows that while the country has experienced some movement, overall progress has been limited.
In 2021, the country ranked 125th with a higher score of 4.396, marking its strongest recent performance.
The report suggests that social support, the extent to which individuals feel they have someone to rely on in times of need, remains a critical determinant of happiness.
In countries with lower rankings, weaker social safety nets and economic vulnerability often erode this sense of security.
READ MORE | World Happiness Report 2026
Economic conditions also play a central role.
GDP per capita, while not a definitive measure of wellbeing, provides insight into living standards and access to resources.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said while she had not yet fully appraised the contents of the report and its data collection methodology, government was already implementing deliberate interventions to respond to citizens’ concerns.
She pointed to key strategic frameworks, including the National Development Plan, the Nkwe Programme of Action and the Grand Plan for National Transformation, as central to this effort.
“These initiatives are designed to drive inclusive and sustainable development by accelerating economic growth, fostering innovation and expanding opportunities for all,” she stated.
Mdluli emphasised that the programmes collectively demonstrate government’s commitment to unlocking national wealth, improving social wellbeing and steering the country towards long-term, transformative prosperity.
TOP 10 SADDEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
(World Happiness Report 2026)
- Sierra Leone
- Malawi
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Egypt
- Tanzania
- Comoros
- Lesotho
Additional Context
The World Happiness Report is widely used by policymakers to assess national wellbeing beyond economic growth, often influencing social and development strategies globally.
