NEW: Zimbabwe named third happiest country in Africa

Online Reporter

According to a report that was compiled following research in 71 countries, Zimbabwe has been named as the third happiest country in Africa.

The Global Mind Project’s fourth annual “Mental State of the World” report which was compiled by Sapien Labs collected data from over 500 000 people.

Tanzania has the highest score of 88 on the mental health quotient (MHQ), followed closely by Nigeria at 83, and Zimbabwe at 74.

The mental health quotient is an anonymous web-based assessment that comprehensively covers symptoms of ten major psychiatric disorders, as well as positive elements of mental function.

The report used six-dimensional scores, including mood and outlook, social self, drive, motivation, adaptability, resilience, cognition, and mind-body connection.

The report reads in part: “While mental well-being has remained stable in most countries since 2021, the rankings have also remained relatively consistent.

“Only five countries experienced an increase of 2 percent or more on the mental well-being scale, while four countries saw a decrease of 2 percent or more.”

“As observed each year, countries at the top of the list are predominantly Latin American and African nations like Tanzania, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the Dominican Republic, while wealthier countries of the Core Anglosphere such as the United Kingdom and Australia rank lower. This challenges the common perception that wealth enhances well-being.”

The report also suggests a global decrease in mental well-being since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with no signs of returning to pre-pandemic levels.