Inside Iran: Happiness in the Islamic republic

Happiness rates in Iran dwindled after the 1979 revolution which instated Khomeini’s regime, according to experts.

The rates reached their lowest levels in recent years, according to a report forming part of the Inside Iran series on the Al Arabiya News Channel.

Although conflict and unrest dominate the news, people around the world are reporting a spike in positive emotions. At least seven in 10 adults around the world said they have experienced lots of enjoyment, laughing or smiling, according to U.S. research company Gallup.

As part of a 2013 study, Gallup measured these positive emotions in 138 countries by asking people if they had experienced them in the previous day.

The "yes" answers were compiled as part of the Positive Experience Index score for each country. Iran amassed a score of 63.

Iran ranks 93rd in Gallup’s citizens’ positivity list, which includes 138 countries.

In 2014, U.S. artist Pharrell Williams’ hit “Happy” was an instant success around the world, with many people doing their own versions, taking social sharing sites like YouTube by storm.

But when one group of Pharrell fans in Iran posted a video on the Internet of them dancing to the song on the rooftops of Tehran, the group were arrested, and later received suspended sentences of jail and lashes.

States competing with the Islamic republic on the list of miserable countries include those witnessing tragic wars, famine and conflicts.

A growing inflation and the lack of social and press freedom are some of the reasons contributing to the dissatisfaction many Iranians feel.

As a result, 48 percent of Iranians do not recommend living in their country.