Economic development is positively correlated with a higher happiness ranking. But is that all there is to happiness?
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The annual World Happiness Report ranks countries based on their happiness level. Ethiopia was ranked 132 out of 147 countries. The top spots, as always, were populated by the Nordic countries. The bottom ones, however, were populated by African and Middle Eastern countries. One can easily notice a pattern here. Economic development is positively correlated with a higher happiness ranking. But is that all there is to happiness? How exactly are these things quantified? Before we accept Ethiopia’s ranking at face value, let’s see what constitutes a happy country.
The Happiness Indicators
Happiness rankings are determined by surprisingly many factors. The primary one is life evaluation, where a survey is conducted in which respondents are asked to rank their life from 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best. This makes the main basis for these rankings.
Another determining factor, of course, is income (GDP per capita). Better economic outcomes often contribute to greater life satisfaction and positive emotions, which in turn, lead to better happiness ranking. Other factors like social support system (having someone to count on), healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, and generosity (donating to charity) are also explanatory variables. Furthermore, here’s where it gets interesting: perceptions of corruption and trust in government, as well as mental health indicators, are also measured. Even environmental factors, such as access to clean water, stable electricity, and green spaces, play a role, albeit indirectly.
What Ethiopia Has and Lacks to be Happy
Ethiopia is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Its people are known for resilience, close-knit communities, and traditions that emphasize generosity and hospitality. Social bonds are strong, and communal life offers a form of support that many more developed nations struggle to replicate. These are assets that many high-income countries lack, and they can contribute significantly to happiness.
However, Ethiopia faces challenges that weigh heavily on its happiness score. Economic instability, high unemployment rates, and low per capita income limit life choices for many. Access to healthcare and education, though improving, remains inconsistent, affecting both life expectancy and mental well-being. Political tensions and governance issues have also undermined trust in institutions, while environmental stressors, such as droughts and food insecurity, add daily strains to life. In short, Ethiopia has immense social and cultural capital but lacks many of the structural and economic conditions that typically correlate with high happiness rankings.
As these challenges persist, they threaten to undermine the very strengths Ethiopia possesses. Rising economic pressures and political instability can erode social trust and confidence in public institutions, potentially fueling tensions between communities and sparking conflict. Citizens may lose their sense of belonging and struggle to maintain a positive outlook on their future. This pervasive sense of hopelessness can create a vicious cycle, gradually harming the well-being of the entire nation.
Happiness, therefore, is not just about money or infrastructure. For Ethiopia to climb the ranks, it requires a combination of improving living conditions, expanding opportunities, and nurturing the social strengths that are already deeply embedded in its culture. It is a reminder that happiness is as much about what people feel and share as it is about what they earn or own.
