In a stark revelation for national morale, the United Kingdom has been ranked as the second most miserable country in the world according to a major 2024 study on global mental wellbeing. The findings, published in the Mental State of the World Report, suggest that economic prosperity does not automatically translate into happiness.
A Journey to the 'Most Miserable' Place on Earth
Intrigued by the report which placed only one nation below Britain, adventurous YouTuber Wendall embarked on a 4,000-mile journey from his home in Walsall to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The Central Asian former Soviet republic scored lowest in the survey, conducted by the research team at Sapien Labs. Their analysis pointed to factors like excessive smartphone use and weakening family bonds as key drivers of global unhappiness.
Wendall's trip required a stopover in Turkey, where he paid a sobering £12 for a pre-dawn pint. Upon arrival, however, he found costs in Uzbekistan to be dramatically lower. His £60-per-night hotel offered luxury far beyond UK expectations, challenging preconceptions about a nation that spent 67 years under Soviet rule.
Surprising Discoveries in Tashkent
Far from encountering a population steeped in gloom, Wendall was met with widespread warmth and a positive outlook. He noted a laid-back approach to daily life unthinkable in Britain, with city park archery ranges and street vendors openly selling ornate knives. Notably, most locals were happy to appear on camera, a contrast to the frequent reluctance he experiences in the UK.
One resident explained the nation's dramatic transformation over the past decade, highlighting improvements in education, politics, and freedom. "There is no war. It's peaceful," they said, adding that many Uzbeks who had moved abroad for work are now returning as salaries rise.
The city's infrastructure also impressed. Wendall found Tashkent's metro network to be cleaner and more architecturally stunning than the London Underground, with ticket prices a fraction of those in the UK.
Low Costs and High Spirits
The value for money was a recurring theme. In bustling street bazaars, a knock-off Real Madrid football shirt could be bought for pennies. While English isn't widely spoken, locals would eagerly shout the names of top European football clubs to connect with visitors.
Navigating prices required mental arithmetic due to the exchange rate, where one Uzbekistani som equals just £0.000062. A basic stuffed flatbread cost about 30p, while a hearty plate of plov – the national dish of rice, lamb, carrots, and onions – was just under a fiver. Even a generous brandy in a upscale capital bar set Wendall back only £1.50.
Reflecting on his trip, Wendall was profoundly moved. "It's the supposedly most miserable, depressing country in the world," he said. "Well, I've met some wonderful people. I've been met with nothing but smiles, hospitality and a welcome I'll never forget." His experience raises compelling questions about how we measure happiness and the stereotypes that global rankings can perpetuate.
