The Global Mind Project’s annual ‘Mental State of the World’ report has revealed how unhappy people have become since 2020. Now in its fourth year, the report has found that the pandemic not only had some significant and lasting effects on how we work, socialise and travel, but also on our mental health.

The Global Mind Project surveyed 419,175 individuals from 71 different countries online to assess an individual’s Mental Health Quotient (MHQ). What’s an MHQ, you ask? It evaluates 47 aspects of mental health is six categories: mood and outlook, social self, drive and motivation, mind-body connection, cognition and adaptability and resilience. 

Based on an individual’s responses to the survey, each was given a score (MHQ) and placed on a spectrum from thriving to distressed. Overall there was a general decline in mental health across the survey. 

So, which countries are the ‘happiest’? The Dominican Republic claimed the top spot, followed closely by Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Sadly, Uzbekistan followed by the UK and South Africa, were the top three unhappiest countries. Australia, which is known for its friendly locals and happy demeanour, came in as the sixth unhappiest in the world. 

Here’s the breakdown of the top 10 happiest and unhappiest countries in the world:

Happiest:

1. Dominican Republic
2. Sri Lanka
3. Tanzania
4. Panama
5. Malaysia
6. Nigeria
7. Venezuela
8. El Salvador
9. Costa Rica
10. Uruguay

Unhappiest:

1. Uzbekistan
2. UK
3. South Africa
4. Brazil
5. Tajikistan
6. Australia
7. Egypt
8. Ireland
9. Iraq
10. Yemen

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