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People in poor countries are happier than those in rich countries
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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People in rich countries are less happy and more depressed than those in poor countries, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which surveyed 89,000 people as part of a global study.
Thus, in France, the Netherlands and the USA, more than 30% of respondents complained of depression, compared to 12% in China. In general, in high-income countries, every seventh person (15%) has experienced depression at least once in their life, and in middle- and low-income countries, every ninth person, or 11%.
The record holder for the number of people depressed by life is India. It has the highest level of depression in the world - 36%. According to experts, this is due to the fact that the country is experiencing unprecedented social and economic changes, which often cause a despondent mood in society, according to the results of the WHO study.
The study also showed that women suffer from depression twice as often as men. In total, 120 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with such disorders. Psychologists warn that depression can negatively affect a person's ability to work, their relationships with others, and their quality of life. In the most severe cases, mood disorders threaten suicide. Every year, 850 thousand such cases are recorded worldwide.
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