Lebanon has been ranked as the angriest country in the world, according to Gallup’s 2024 Global Emotions Report. Nearly half (49%) of its population reported feeling angry, underscoring the emotional toll of its ongoing socio-political crises. This deeply negative sentiment reflects years of compounding challenges, from economic collapse to political instability and regional conflict.
The report, based on interviews with nearly 146,000 people across 142 countries, offers a stark look at global emotional well-being. It tracks emotions such as anger, stress, worry, and sadness, providing insights into the human impact of civil unrest and instability. Neighboring Türkiye and Armenia follow closely in levels of anger, reporting 48% and 47% respectively, painting a picture of widespread regional distress.
Perched on the eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon has long been a geopolitically significant nation, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and historical importance. Once known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” it was a thriving banking hub and tourist destination through the 1970s. However, decades of political instability, compounded by external conflicts and internal power struggles, have left the nation in turmoil.
Lebanon’s position as the angriest country in Gallup’s report reflects widespread societal tensions stemming from:
- Economic Collapse: Since 2019, Lebanon has faced one of the worst economic crises in modern history. The Lebanese lira has lost over 90% of its value, plunging the majority of the population into poverty.
- Political Instability: Persistent gridlock and corruption among the ruling elite have left the country without effective governance. Basic services such as electricity, healthcare, and clean water are scarce.
- Regional Conflict: Lebanon’s involvement in the broader Middle East conflict, particularly its entanglement with Hezbollah and its clashes with Israel, has exacerbated domestic struggles.
A key factor in Lebanon’s deteriorating situation is Hezbollah, a Shiite political and militant group with significant influence over Lebanese politics. Established in the 1980s with backing from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah has grown into one of the world’s most formidable non-state military forces.
Initially formed as a resistance group against Israeli occupation, Hezbollah evolved into a powerful political entity, gaining parliamentary seats and allying with pro-Syrian factions. However, its dominance has deepened divisions within Lebanon. Critics argue that Hezbollah operates as a “state within a state,” prioritizing Iranian interests over national unity.
The past year has seen a sharp escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, beginning with the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Hezbollah joined the fray, leading to retaliatory strikes from Israel that devastated Lebanese towns and villages.
- Humanitarian Toll: The conflict has displaced over 875,000 people, including vulnerable groups such as refugees, children, and the elderly. Casualties have mounted, with hundreds of civilians dead.
- Economic Damage: The World Bank estimates losses from the conflict at $8.5 billion, including $3.4 billion in infrastructure damage. Lebanon’s GDP is expected to shrink by 6.6% in 2024.
- Political Fallout: The appointment of Brigadier General Mahmoud Reza Falakhzadeh as Hezbollah’s new leader by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has fueled domestic resentment. Many Lebanese view this as further evidence of Hezbollah’s role as an Iranian proxy, undermining national sovereignty.
Hezbollah’s military wing, known as the Islamic Resistance of Lebanon, is widely regarded as the most advanced non-state military force globally. Its arsenal includes sophisticated rockets, drones, and advanced weaponry, with support from Iran bolstering its capabilities. Estimates of Hezbollah’s manpower vary, but figures suggest it has tens of thousands of fighters, including reserves.
In the wake of Israel’s targeted strikes, Hezbollah has suffered significant losses, including the deaths of senior leaders such as Fuad Shukr, Muhammad Hussein Srour, and Ibrahim Aqil. Despite these setbacks, the group remains a formidable force, complicating Lebanon’s path to stability.
Lebanon’s emotional struggles are not isolated. Türkiye, Armenia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other nations also report high levels of anger, reflecting a broader trend of emotional distress tied to economic hardship, political instability, and ongoing conflicts.
Gallup’s findings show that emotions like anger and stress are often linked to societies experiencing deep socio-political upheaval.
- Türkiye: Second on the list, Türkiye faces economic challenges, a polarized political landscape, and lingering effects of the devastating February 2023 earthquakes.
- Armenia: Recent clashes with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh have left Armenians grappling with loss, displacement, and political uncertainty.
In contrast to the grim findings for Lebanon and its neighbors, El Salvador emerged as the happiest and most optimistic country in Gallup’s report. The Central American nation has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, attributed to improved security and economic stability under President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
This divergence highlights how factors such as effective governance, economic opportunity, and social cohesion can significantly influence national emotional well-being.
Despite a recent ceasefire brokered by the US and France, Lebanon faces an uphill battle to rebuild. Over 1.2 million displaced citizens have begun returning home, but the nation’s challenges remain daunting:
- Economic Recovery: Reviving the shattered economy will require massive international aid and significant reforms to address corruption and inefficiency.
- Political Stability: Achieving consensus among Lebanon’s deeply divided factions is crucial to restoring effective governance.
- Infrastructure Rebuilding: With billions in damages, the reconstruction of homes, roads, and essential services will be a long and expensive process.
As Lebanon grapples with its crises, some analysts predict a potential shift towards decentralization. A confederation of autonomous regions could emerge, reflecting the country’s sectarian divides. While this may reduce internal tensions, it risks weakening national cohesion.
