Exploring Differences in Happiness in Nigeria: An Analysis of Demographic Factors and Geographic Regions

Credit: Tomiwa Ogunmodede

In Nigeria, the percentage of women and men aged 15-24 and 15-49 years who report being happy with their life overall varies significantly. According to the Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2021, women aged 15-24 and 15-49 years are generally happier with their life than men in the same age groups. The survey found that 79% of women aged 15-24 and 79% of women aged 15-49 years reported being happy with their life overall, compared to 70.3% of men aged 15-24 years and 65.6% of men aged 15-49 years.

When the data is broken down by location, the survey found that women in both urban and rural areas are happier with their life than men in the same locations. In urban areas, 80.3% of women and 76.1% of men reported being happy with their life overall, while in rural areas, 78% of women and 65.6% of men reported the same.

It is interesting to note that the percentage of men who report being happy with their life overall is significantly lower than that of women, particularly in rural areas. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as economic opportunities, social support systems, and gender norms. It is important for policymakers and organizations to consider these factors when developing programs and interventions aimed at improving well-being and life satisfaction.

It is also important to note that overall, the percentage of both men and women who report being happy with their life is relatively high in Nigeria, with 74.7% of both sexes reporting happiness overall. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly for men in rural areas who report lower levels of life satisfaction.

Happiness By Age

The data presented shows the percentage of women and men who report being happy with their life overall in Nigeria, broken down by age group. It is clear that there is a significant difference between the happiness levels of women and men across all age groups, with women consistently reporting higher levels of happiness than men.

For women, the percentage of those who are happy with their life overall decreases slightly with age, from 83.3% of those aged 15-19 to 74.1% of those aged 45-49. However, overall, the majority of women in each age group report being happy with their life.

For men, the percentage of those who are happy with their life overall also decreases with age, from 70.9% of those aged 15-19 to 71% of those aged 45-49. However, men in the 35-39 age group report the highest level of happiness at 73.7%.

It is interesting to note that while men in the 35-39 age group report higher levels of happiness than those in other age groups, they still report lower levels of happiness than women in the same age group (77.7% of women aged 35-39 report being happy with their life overall).

This data highlights the importance of considering gender when analyzing happiness levels and other measures of well-being. Women consistently report higher levels of happiness than men, and this difference persists across age groups. Understanding the factors that contribute to this difference could be an important area of focus for policymakers and researchers.

It is also important to note that overall, the percentage of both men and women who report being happy with their life is relatively high in Nigeria, with the majority of individuals in each age group reporting happiness overall.

Happiness By Marital Status

The data also shows the percentage of women and men who report being happy with their life overall in Nigeria, broken down by marital status. The data highlights that there are differences in happiness levels between individuals who are married or in a union and those who have never been married, with women in both categories reporting higher levels of happiness than men.

For women who are married or in a union, the percentage who report being happy with their life overall is 77.9%, compared to 81.3% of never married women. For men who are married or in a union, the percentage who report being happy with their life overall is 71.9%, compared to 69% of never married men.

It is interesting to note that while women who have never been married report higher levels of happiness than women who are married or in a union, the difference between the two groups is relatively small. This suggests that marriage or being in a union may not be a significant factor in determining overall happiness levels for women in Nigeria.

However, for men, being married or in a union appears to have a more significant impact on happiness levels. Men who are married or in a union report lower levels of happiness than those who have never been married. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as financial stress, relationship dynamics, and cultural expectations.

It is important to note that overall, the percentage of both men and women who report being happy with their life is relatively high in Nigeria, with the majority of individuals in each marital status category reporting happiness overall.

Happiness By Educational Background

The data highlights that there is a positive correlation between education level and happiness levels in Nigeria, with individuals who have higher levels of education reporting higher levels of happiness.

For individuals with no education, the percentage who report being happy with their life overall is 71.9%. This percentage increases as education level increases, with individuals who have completed tertiary education reporting the highest level of happiness at 79.4%. Those with primary education have the lowest percentage of happiness at 70.3%.

It is important to note that while there is a positive correlation between education level and happiness levels, the difference between the percentages is not significant. This suggests that factors beyond education, such as economic stability, social support, and access to healthcare, may also play a role in determining overall happiness levels.

It is also interesting to note that the percentage of both men and women who report being happy with their life overall is relatively high across all education levels. This suggests that, despite challenges, many Nigerians are able to find joy and satisfaction in their lives.

Wealth Index Quantile

The data presented shows the percentage of both men and women who report being happy with their life overall in Nigeria, broken down by wealth index quintile. The data highlights that there is a positive correlation between wealth index quintile and happiness levels in Nigeria, with individuals in higher wealth quintiles reporting higher levels of happiness.

For individuals in the poorest wealth quintile, the percentage who report being happy with their life overall is 71.8%. This percentage increases as wealth index quintile increases, with individuals in the richest quintile reporting the highest level of happiness at 82.5%.

It is important to note that while there is a positive correlation between wealth index quintile and happiness levels, the difference between the percentages is significant. This suggests that economic stability and financial security play an important role in determining overall happiness levels in Nigeria.

It is also interesting to note that the percentage of both men and women who report being happy with their life overall is relatively high across all wealth index quintiles. This suggests that despite economic challenges, many Nigerians are able to find joy and satisfaction in their lives.

Geopolitical Zones

The MICS data highlights that there is a significant variation in happiness levels across the different geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

Individuals in the South West geopolitical zone report the highest level of happiness, with 83.4% of both men and women reporting being happy with their life overall. This is significantly higher than the other zones. On the other hand, individuals in the South East geopolitical zone report the lowest level of happiness, with only 64.05% of both men and women reporting being happy with their life overall.

It is important to note that while there is a significant variation in happiness levels across the different geopolitical zones, there are likely multiple factors that contribute to this variation. Economic development, access to healthcare, social support, and political stability may all play a role in determining overall happiness levels.

HAPPINESS BY STATES

The survey also provided insights into the level of happiness among different states. The state with the highest level of happiness was Sokoto, with 93.1% of both men and women reporting being very or somewhat happy. The state with the lowest level of happiness was Yobe, with only 42.2% of people reporting being very or somewhat happy.  

For women, the state with the lowest happiness rate was Zamfara at 41.4% with Kogi reporting the highest rate with 90.4% reporting being happy. 

Similar figures were also seen with men, with the exception of Yobe which recorded a rate of only 4.4%.

 

 

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