The UK Is the Second Most Miserable Country in the World!

Here is a bit of a downer for you all! According to recent studies, the UK has been crowned the most miserable country in the world. Yes, you read that right! It seems like the land of tea, crumpets, and rainy weather is also home to some pretty gloomy residents.

Is it the weather? The politics? The never-ending queue at the pub? Keep on reading to find out more!

The UK Is the Most Miserable Country in the World

A recent report reveals that despite various divisions in the UK—including between young and old, renters and homeowners, Remainers and Brexiteers, and Republicans and royalists—there is a common sentiment of widespread unhappiness among the population.

Sapien Labs, a nonprofit research organization, conducted a survey for its annual Mental State of the World report. They polled over 500,000 people across 71 countries.

Their findings designate the UK as the world’s second-most miserable country. They focused on how people’s emotional states affect their daily functioning.

What Did the Survey Find Out?

Sapien Labs compiled a ranking based on their survey findings. They identified Uzbekistan as the world’s most miserable country, with the UK following closely in second place. This contrasts with findings that people in war-torn countries like Iraq, Yemen, and Ukraine report higher levels of happiness.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Dominican Republic was identified as the world’s happiest country, followed by Sri Lanka and Tanzania in second and third place, respectively.

Sapien Labs’ findings show that the significant decline in mental well-being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has persisted. Despite expectations of recovery after lockdowns lifted and COVID-19 threats diminished, data from 64 countries suggests that diminished global mental health has become a lasting issue, rather than returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The Youth Mental Health Crisis in the UK

Recent reports highlight a youth mental health crisis in the UK, underscored by NHS data showing over 3,500 urgent referrals for under-18s in May 2023, triple the number from May 2019. The Resolution Foundation’s report further reveals that 34% of young people aged 18-24 in the UK exhibit symptoms of a common mental disorder.

Sapien Labs highlighted that many Latin American and African countries rank well in mental well-being, contrasting with poor rankings for most Anglosphere nations. They noted a surprising correlation where higher GDP does not necessarily equate to better mental well-being.

Additionally, younger smartphone ownership and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods correlate with lower mental well-being, especially prevalent in wealthier countries where these trends are more common.

Do you think the UK deserves the spot for the most miserable country in the world?

You might also want to read: These Are the World’s Happiest Countries In 2024