Morocco's Position in the Global Happiness Index
In a concerning revelation, Morocco has been ranked 112th out of 147 countries in the 2026 World Happiness Report, marking a significant decline from its peak position of 84th in 2016. This steady decline reflects ongoing challenges that impact the overall satisfaction of Moroccans, as the country experiences a stagnation without notable improvements in happiness levels over recent years.
Regionally, Morocco stands at 14th place among 18 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. While it surpasses nations such as Egypt and Lebanon, it still lags behind more advanced countries in the area like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This disparity highlights the complexities of achieving higher happiness levels in relation to economic and social stability.
Factors Influencing Happiness in Morocco
The report, published by the Oxford University Centre for Wellbeing Research, utilizes various critical indicators to assess happiness, including income, health, individual freedom, social support, and institutional trust. A noteworthy aspect of this year’s findings is the examination of social media's impact on individual well-being, particularly among the youth. In Morocco, there is a notably low rate of intensive digital platform usage, with only about 15% of adults engaging heavily with social media, a statistic that has remained relatively unchanged over the years.
Despite the limited engagement, the report indicates that when intense use does occur, it is often linked to increased stress levels and symptoms of depression, especially when usage is negative and centered on visual content and social comparisons. These digital factors, compounded with economic and social challenges, contribute to Morocco's global ranking. The report suggests that tangible improvements in happiness will likely require broader reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of life across various dimensions.
As reported by kech24.com.
