By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone, once a beacon of hope for post-conflict recovery in West Africa, has once again been ranked among the world’s least happy nations in the 2025 Global Happiness Report. The country, which is placed 146th out of 147 nations, is now the least happy country in Africa and the second least happy globally, falling six spots from last year’s already concerning position of 140th.
This sharp decline in happiness ranking raises significant questions about the country’s social, economic, and political situation. While many point to the sharp rise in food prices and economic challenges, there are deeper and more systemic issues that have contributed to the overwhelming dissatisfaction felt by Sierra Leone’s citizens.
Many say the economic hardship and rising cost of living are ome of the reasons. The soaring cost of living has been one of the primary reasons why Sierra Leoneans are dissatisfied with their lives. Food prices, in particular, have been a major issue. With staple foods like rice, cassava, and vegetables becoming increasingly expensive, many households are struggling to make ends meet. Inflation has affected nearly every sector of the economy, and the prices of essential commodities have risen so steeply that families are often forced to skip meals or reduce their nutritional intake. This financial strain is further exacerbated by limited access to affordable healthcare, housing, and education.
The rise in food prices can be attributed to a variety of factors, including government inefficiency, poor agricultural policies, and the impact of global market trends. Many citizens point to the government’s inability to address such economic issues and create stable, sustainable solutions.
The lack of proper investment in agriculture, which is a key sector for employment in Sierra Leone, further exacerbates the problem. When a nation’s people cannot afford basic sustenance, it’s no surprise that their happiness and well-being would suffer.
Also, corruption and mismanagement of funds is another course. One of the most significant drivers of dissatisfaction in Sierra Leone is the persistent issue of corruption and mismanagement. According to many citizens, the country’s leaders and government officials have failed to use national resources effectively. Public funds that should be invested in essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure are often misappropriated, leaving the general populace to bear the brunt of the consequences. There have been numerous reports of government officials siphoning off public money, which has led to a lack of public trust in the political system.
Corruption is a direct drain on the country’s economy, and also fuels widespread inequality. For a large portion of the population, economic opportunity remains out of reach. The elite are able to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor, and this gap between the rich and the poor has widened in recent years. For many Sierra Leoneans, this imbalance is an ongoing source of frustration and a key factor in their declining happiness.
In addition, Lack of opportunities and unemployment for young people. Sierra Leone’s youth, in particular, are struggling with a lack of opportunities. High unemployment rates, coupled with inadequate education and training systems, leave young people without viable pathways to build successful futures. The lack of jobs leads to a sense of hopelessness among many, who feel that they are trapped in a cycle of poverty with no clear way out.
Many Sierra Leoneans, especially the youth, feel alienated by the limited prospects available to them. The absence of viable career paths, combined with the increasing cost of living and the inability to access basic services, have left many people frustrated and disillusioned with their government’s promises of progress and change.
Furthermore, political instability and governance issues are part of the reason. Beyond economic struggles, political instability has also contributed to the country’s unhappiness. Sierra Leone has a history of civil conflict, and while it has made considerable strides toward peace and recovery, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. The political system is often marked by infighting, weak institutions, and a lack of effective governance, which prevents the country from making meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to its citizens.
Citizens are often frustrated by the frequent breakdowns in law and order, as well as the perception that the government is more focused on maintaining power than addressing the needs of the people. With frequent changes in leadership, a lack of transparency, and little accountability, many Sierra Leoneans feel disconnected from the political process.
And the mental health impact of a struggling nation is also key. The combination of economic hardship, corruption, unemployment, and political instability has had a significant impact on the mental health of the population. Many citizens report feeling anxious, stressed, and hopeless about the future.
With so many challenges and so little support from the government, people are unable to enjoy a sense of security or well-being. For many, it seems that their voices are not being heard, and their needs are not being met.
Sierra Leone’s ranking as one of the least happy countries in the world is a reflection of the deep-seated challenges that the country faces. From economic struggles to political instability, there are numerous factors that have contributed to the dissatisfaction of its people. If the country is to improve its happiness ranking and provide a better quality of life for its citizens, it will need to address issues such as corruption, unemployment, inequality, and the rising cost of living.
Only through meaningful reforms and a commitment to serving the needs of the people can Sierra Leone hope to turn the tide and build a brighter future for its citizens.
