5 Miserable Countries in the World

In this article, we discuss the 5 most miserable countries in the world. If you want to read about our methodology for selection of these countries, you can go directly to the 25 Miserable Countries in the World.

5. Iran

Hanke’s Annual Misery Index 2020 Score: 92.1

The population of Iran has been unhappy for a long time now amid lack of human rights, poverty, sanctions and joblessness. Iran remains short on everything from luxury goods to basic hospital supplies due to the limitations imposed upon it by the developed world.

4. Lebanon

Hanke’s Annual Misery Index 2020 Score: 177.1

The people in Lebanon are one of the most miserable in the world amid poverty, civil war and sectarian problems.

3. Sudan

Hanke’s Annual Misery Index 2020 Score: 193.9

Sudan is the third on our list of the 25 miserable countries in the world. The country has been the site of civil war since 2011. Even before the war began, the country spent decades riddled with conflicts and bloodshed. Since the war began in 2011, millions of people have died, and many left the country. Even now, the country is politically unstable, and its people suffer majorly from the trauma of losing their loved ones

2. Zimbabwe

Hanke’s Annual Misery Index 2020 Score: 547

The major reason behind the sadness of the people of Zimbabwe is poverty. 62% of all the country’s citizens live below the poverty line, while a quarter of the population has no reliable means to obtain food. The ruling class of Zimbabwe has preyed on its people and has made them suffer for decades due to their irresponsible planning and mismanagement. The coronavirus pandemic has made the people’s condition even grimmer, as millions were left with inadequate food supplies after the infection spread in the country.

1. Venezuela

Hanke’s Annual Misery Index 2020 Score: 3827.6

The policies of Venezuela’s government have failed to bring about any desirable results, and the high rate of corruption in the country makes its residents miserable. Moreover, the unemployment rate in the country is 9.14%, contributing to the residents’ misery. Furthermore, oil makes up 95% of the country’s exports; with oil reserves declining, the country’s government is unsuccessfully attempting to save the money that it already has. Due to this predicament, consumer price inflation is high, which adversely affects people’s happiness. Venezuela is the first on the list of 25 miserable countries in the world.

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