The world’s happiest countries have been revealed in the latest edition (10th) of the World Happiness Report. But how do Africa’s countries fare?
Once again, Mauritius reigns as the happiest country in Africa (Zimbabwe languishes as the unhappiest country, according to the report). Mauritius scored 6.071 out of 10, putting it significantly ahead of all other countries in the continent. However, Mauritius slipped in status from being a High-Income country to Upper-Middle-Income status as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The reports owe a debt of gratitude to myriad sources, particularly to the Gallup World Poll, which is unique in the range and comparability of its global series of annual surveys. Although the data partner is Gallup, institutional sponsors of the World Happiness Report include the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, the Centre for Economic Performance at the LSE, the Vancouver School of Economics at UBC and the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford.
The World Happiness Report ranks 146 countries; details and methodologies can be found here. Suffice it to say that there’s much more to this sort of report than you would first think.
The World Happiness Report is changing the conversation about progress and wellbeing. It provides important snapshots of how people around the world feel about the overall quality of their lives.
Christopher Barrington-Leigh, professor at McGill University in Quebec and a researcher involved in the report.
Happiest Countries in Africa: Results
Mauritius (score: 6.071)
It was Mark Twain who said this about Mauritius: “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius”. Only one way to find out…
Libya (score: 5.330)
A surprise entry into the top 10, Libya is a realm of stunning coastlines, dramatic ancient ruins and the majesty of the Sahara. It is an ancient crossroads of civilisations that bequeathed to the Libyan coast some of the most spectacular Roman and Greek ruins in existence, including the Leptis Magna, Cyrene and Sabratha.
Ivory Coast (score: 5.235)
Beautiful, starfish-studded beaches, wonderful cuisine and style in abundance are the standout features of this nation.
South Africa (score: 5.194)
Where do we start? The Rainbow Nation is fascinating in and of itself. There is much more to South Africa than the Big Five. A magnificent food culture, fascinating languages and varied, spectacular landscapes are just a few reasons why South Africa features in the top ten list of Africa’s happiest countries – and this is despite its ongoing cultural and racial tensions.
The Gambia (score: 5.164)
The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa with around 115 people per sq km, making its population density one of the highest in Africa. It’s also a very young country with almost half of the population under the age of 14.
Algeria (score: 5.122)
Africa’s largest country is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Europe. Its capital, Algiers, is one of the Maghreb’s most charismatic cities with a heady, nostalgic mix of colonial and modernist architecture, and a traditional medina at the centre of its vertiginous heart. Across the north are stunning coastlines.
Liberia (score: 5.122)
Liberia was founded by freed slaves fromt he USA. Rich with natural beauty, Liberia is home to one of West Africa’s best national parks. Its American history can still be felt in the energy of its people, an energy inextricably bound to West African optimism and resilience.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (score: 5.075)
Dubbed one of Africa’s most thrilling – and challenging – destinations, Democratic Republic of the Congo has much to recommend it, including outstanding food and drink, optimistic, resilient people (in the wake of brutal 20th century colonial exploitation and authoritarian craziness), and swathes of raw rainforest punctuated by gushing rivers.
Morocco (score: 5.060)
The ‘gateway to Africa’ has a mixed Arab and Berber population but still manages to display a strong national identity. Morocco’s people are warm and hospitable, and the country as a whole has much to offer. With its striking landscapes and diverse cultures, Morocco is as richly coloured as any of the handwoven, multicoloured tapestries you’ll want to snap up in the medinas of Fez or Marrakech.
Mozambique (score: 5.048)
Mozambique has plenty to offer those who venture there: long, dune-fringed beaches, turquoise waters abounding in shoals of colourful fish, well-preserved corals, remote archipelagos in the north, pounding surf in the south and graceful dhows with billowing sails. Add to this colonial-style architecture, a pulsating nightlife and aood that blends African, Indian and Portuguese influences.
Related post: The Most Developed Countries in Africa Today
