The world's most stressed-out countries

Updated April 2, 2025, 11:53 a.m. | By Stacey & J Sbu

Which country needs a vacation the most? A new study ranks the most stressed-out nations, and South Africa is obviously one of them.

Do you ever feel you need a vacation, like – yesterday? Well, some countries might need that getaway more desperately than others.

A recent study by GroundingWell ranked nations based on their need for relaxation, and the results might surprise you (or confirm your suspicions).

The study analysed factors like annual working hours, paid vacation days, work-life balance, stress and anger levels, and overall life satisfaction.

These were combined into a "Relaxation Need Score" (from 0 to 100), highlighting which countries need to unwind the most.

Let’s dive into the top five contenders.

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5. South Korea: The pressure cooker (score: 70)

South Korea Flag — South Korea / Dirk von Mallinckrodt / iStock

South Korea’s intense work culture and long hours are well-documented, and this study backs it up.

The country has just 15 vacation days per year, poor work-life balance, and the second-lowest life satisfaction index.

Add to that the fact that 39% of South Koreans report regular stress, and it’s clear that the country could use some serious downtime.

4. South Africa: Where stress meets low satisfaction (score: 76)

South Africa Flag 25 — South Africa / Aoraee / iStock

South Africa isn’t just working hard, it’s also one of the least satisfied countries in the study.

With the second-highest working hours, only 15 vacation days, and 36% of people feeling stressed, the need for relaxation is undeniable.

A poor work-life balance and low life satisfaction index puts us high on the list.

3. United States: The workaholic nation (score: 78)

USA Flag — USA / Prostock-Studio / iStock

The US ranks third, thanks to the lowest work-life balance index and only 10 vacation days per year.

The country also has the second-highest stress levels among all nations in the study.

With long working hours and minimal downtime, it’s no wonder burnout is a common theme in American workplaces.

2. Mexico: Hard work, low satisfaction (score: 82)

Mexico Flag — Mexico / creisinger / iStock

Mexico may have some of the lowest anger levels, but don’t let that fool you. The country faces a serious relaxation crisis.

With the highest annual working hours and just 12 vacation days a year, work-life balance is nearly nonexistent.

The country also reports a low life satisfaction index (3.6), highlighting the need for a break.

1. Israel: The most stressed country on earth (score: 100)

Israel Flag — Israel / rarrarorro / iStock

Israel takes the top spot, with a staggering 62% of its population reporting high stress levels – the highest in the study.

Are we really surprised though? With 36% of residents also reporting anger, it’s clear that tension runs high.

While Israel has moderate working hours and a decent life satisfaction score, the overwhelming stress levels make it the country most in need of relaxation.

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Why does this matter?

Well, in a world where the hustle never stops, these findings are a reminder that taking time to relax isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for our overall well-being and quality of life.

Oliver Bennett, a spokesperson from GroundingWell explained, “Our research shows that high workloads and minimal recovery time are fueling a culture where stress is the default state. The clear difference between the most stressed and most relaxed nations highlights how national approaches to work-life balance directly impact well-being and quality of life.”

So, if you’re reading this at work, maybe it’s time to book that vacation – or at least take a deep breath. Life really shouldn't be that deep.

To view the full study and detailed metrics by GroundingWell, click here.