The Most Anxious Countries in Africa

Anxiety disorders are ranked as the sixth largest contributor to non-fatal health loss globally and constantly appear in the top ten causes of years lived with disability in all regions of the world. It is estimated that 3.6% of the global population suffers from anxiety disorders, with the disorders being more common in females than in males. Anxiety disorders belong to a group of mental illnesses characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorders, phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe and the disorders tend to more chronic rather than episodic. The following are the countries with the highest rates of anxiety disorders in Africa, according to the WHO global health estimates. N.B Estimates reflect the number of people being diagnosed, not all the people with anxiety disorders. Many factors affect the rate of diagnosis, including mental health awareness and the availability of psychiatric facilities.

1. Tunisia

With 4.6% of its population suffering from anxiety disorders, Tunisia is the most anxious country in Africa. The country had 492,065 cases of anxiety disorders and 45,412 total years lived with disability (4.0%).

2. Morocco, Libya, and Algeria

Morocco, Libya, and Algeria tie for second place with 4.5% of their populations suffering from anxiety disorders. Morocco had 1,477,408 cases of anxiety disorders and 135,833 total years lived with disability (3.8%); Libya had 265,210 cases and 24,552 total years lived with disability (4.1%), and Algeria had 1,657,172 cases and 153,227 total years lived with disability (4.1%).

3. Egypt

Egypt came in third place with 4.2% of its population suffering from anxiety disorders. The country had 3,593,172 cases and 331,342 total years lived with disability (3.7%).

4. Sudan

In fourth place was Sudan with 4.1% of its population suffering from anxiety disorders. The country had 1,578,125 cases and 145,698 total years lived with disability (3.7%). 

5. Mauritius

Mauritius came in fifth place with 3.5% of its population suffering from anxiety disorders. The country had 42,559 cases and 3,928 total years lived with disability (3.1%).

6. South Africa 

With 3.4% of its population suffering from anxiety disorders, South Africa came in 6th place. The country had 1,768,851 cases and 161,543 total years lived with disability (2.8%).

7. Seychelles and Ethiopia

Seychelles and Ethiopia tied for seventh place with 3.3% of their populations suffering from anxiety disorders. Ethiopia had 3,139,003 cases and 292,650 total years lived with disability (3.5%) while Seychelles had 3,068 cases and 285 total years lived with disability (3.3%).