List of Countries with the Highest Rate of Depression

VIVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) tracks depression rates from around the world. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that depression and other mental health conditions are vastly underreported around the globe. Cultural biases, social stigma, and a lack of access to screening and treatment can all influence rates of underreporting.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered other health crises such as a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. According to WHO, the mental health of young people, women, and health workers has been particularly hard hit. 

Countries with the highest rates of depression include some small and low-income countries in Asia such as Brunei, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and Mali, where less than 2.5% of the population is reported to have depressive disorders. 

Comparing mental health rates between countries has limitations, as cultural stigma, availability, and affordability of mental health care can cause differences. Low-income countries usually have lower rates of mental disorders when compared to high-income countries. 

Here are the 10 countries with the highest rates of depression based on the Global Burden of Disease study, measured by the percentage of the population affected. 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.42% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 14,39% 

9. Iran 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.48% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 19,42% 

8. Morocco

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.49% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 16,13% 

7. Bahrain 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.52% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 15,84% 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.75% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 16,56% 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.75% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 17,63%  

Depressive Disorder Rate: 5.88% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 19,27% 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 6.04% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 18,21% 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 6.52% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 17,67% 

Depressive Disorder Rate: 6.61% 
Rate of All Mental Disorders: 17,85%