According to a global survey conducted in 2024, the United Kingdom ranks as the second most miserable country in the world. The findings from the Mental State of the World Report by Sapien Labs indicate that wealth and economic development do not automatically improve mental well-being. Surprisingly, countries such as the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania emerged as more positive environments for mental health, while the UK, along with Australia, sits near the bottom of the list.
This report highlights a concerning trend: increased smartphone use, especially among children, coupled with a decline in family and community ties, is contributing to widespread dissatisfaction. Only one country, a landlocked former Soviet republic in Central Asia, scored lower than the UK in this survey.
In an unexpected twist, YouTuber Wendall decided to explore Uzbekistan, a nation reportedly even less cheerful than Britain. He embarked on his journey from Walsall to the capital, Tashkent, to investigate what life is like in a country labeled as more depressing. Instead of the anticipated gloom, Wendall discovered a vibrant community filled with optimism and a notable passion for European football.
In Walsall, Wendall encountered residents expressing concerns about rising crime rates, particularly violent incidents. One individual revealed that he had “cried” upon witnessing the state of the nation through news reports. This stark contrast set the stage for Wendall’s exploration of Uzbekistan.
Traveling over 4,000 miles, Wendall made a stop in Turkey for a brief layover, where he paid approximately £12 for a pint at 5 a.m. Upon arriving in Tashkent, he found accommodation to be surprisingly affordable, with a £60-a-night hotel that felt luxurious compared to prices in the UK. Contrary to expectations, Uzbekistan, which spent 67 years as part of the USSR, displayed little of the austerity often associated with post-Soviet nations.
“In recent years, it’s been slowly, carefully reopening to the world,” Wendall noted. The atmosphere in Tashkent was lively, featuring archery booths in city parks and street markets selling intricately designed knives that would be unwelcome on British streets. Most locals welcomed Wendall’s camera, a stark difference from his experiences in the UK, where many people hesitated to appear on screen.
A local resident shared that Uzbekistan has undergone significant changes over the past decade, particularly in education, politics, and personal freedoms. “There is no war. It’s peaceful,” she remarked. While low wages characterized the immediate post-Soviet era, she pointed out that salaries are now rising, with many Uzbeks returning home after seeking better opportunities abroad.
Wendall also found Tashkent’s subway system to be cleaner and more architecturally appealing than the London Underground, with fares considerably lower than those in the UK. Street markets offered affordable prices, with a simple stuffed flatbread costing around 5,000 som, equivalent to approximately £0.30. For a bit more, one could enjoy plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish, featuring rice, lamb, carrots, and onions. Despite his personal taste, Wendall could not complain about the prices, as even a glass of brandy in a high-end bar was just £1.50.
The sharp contrast between the perceptions of misery and the reality of life in Uzbekistan left Wendall pleasantly surprised. He reflected on his experience, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality he received from the locals. “It’s the supposedly most miserable, depressing country in the world — the only country more depressed than the UK. Well, I’ve met some wonderful people. I’ve been met with nothing but smiles, hospitality, and a welcome I’ll never forget,” he said, underscoring the unexpected joy he found in a place labeled as a source of despair.
This exploration serves as a reminder that perceptions of happiness and well-being can be complex and often misrepresented. Wendall’s journey highlights the importance of understanding cultural nuances and the realities of life in different regions, challenging the narrative surrounding mental well-being in countries like Uzbekistan.
