UK ranks as second most unhappy country globally

A 2024 report by Sapien Labs ranks the UK as the second most unhappy country, following Uzbekistan. This is surprising as the UK is rated less happy than war-torn nations like Yemen and Iraq, which are ranked tenth and ninth, respectively. The report assessed factors like mood, social self, and resilience, showing the UK performed poorly across all categories. In 2023, the UK's Office for National Statistics noted a decline in personal wellbeing, with mental health issues rising, particularly among men and young people. Other countries in the top ten include Ireland (eighth), Egypt (seventh), and Australia (sixth). South Africa is ranked third, while Brazil and Tajikistan are fourth and fifth, respectively. The report highlights issues like smartphone ownership and ultra-processed food consumption as factors affecting mental wellbeing.