Having lived in Zimbabwe for almost three years, I'd say that while the average American is better off financially, the average Zimbabwean is happier with their lives. Close knit families and friends seem to be the big reason why.
Uganda is almost as bad, youth unemployment is 84% and many graduate students leave university with little chances of employment. Families expect money after paying their university, so graduates are too shamed to return to their home without money in hand, thus end up living in one of the Kampala slums with a group of other graduates.
It's interesting how happiness works. Think your situation is bad? In Zimbabwe unemployment is something like 80-90%. However this article proves even in situations like this, something simple like friendship can make you happy!