Egypt’s NPH
Egypt’s low National Happiness (or World Happiness Report) score — commonly based on data from the UN’s World Happiness Report (WHR) — reflects a combination of economic, political, and social stressors. Here are the key reasons behind Egypt’s relatively poor score:
🔑 1. Economic Hardship
- High inflation and currency devaluation have eroded purchasing power.
- A significant portion of the population lives near or below the poverty line.
- Youth unemployment is high, leading to frustration and hopelessness.
🔑 2. Authoritarian Governance
- Limited political freedoms, press freedom, and freedom of expression.
- Crackdowns on dissent, mass arrests, and surveillance contribute to fear and low trust in institutions.
🔑 3. Corruption and Inequality
- Widespread corruption in public institutions undermines faith in government.
- Wealth inequality is significant, with limited upward mobility for the majority.
🔑 4. Social Issues and Public Services
- Healthcare and education systems are underfunded and often inefficient.
- Poor infrastructure and inconsistent access to clean water, electricity, or housing in some areas.
- Gender inequality and discrimination persist in both legal and cultural forms.
🔑 5. Security Concerns and Instability
- Egypt has faced periodic terrorist attacks, especially in the Sinai Peninsula.
- Political upheavals since the Arab Spring have left many Egyptians disillusioned.
🔑 6. Low Social Trust
- Surveys show low trust in others and in institutions like police, media, and courts.
- Community and social support systems are strained.
Happiness Metrics Typically Include:
- GDP per capita
- Social support
- Healthy life expectancy
- Freedom to make life choices
- Generosity
- Perception of corruption
Egypt scores poorly in many of these compared to more stable and affluent countries.