Global rankings of Africa's top 10 happiest nations
The Nordic countries continue to clinch the top four spots on the World Happiness Index report, with Finland maintaining the apex for the seventh consecutive year as the happiest nation in the world.
On the other hand, African nations grapple with maintaining a reputable spot on the global index.
The report, which ranks over 130 countries based on various factors, relies heavily on self-assessed life evaluations and responses to the Cantril ladder question. This unique metric prompts respondents to envision a ladder where the highest rung represents the best possible life (rated as 10), while the lowest denotes the worst (rated as zero). Individuals are then asked to evaluate their current lives on this scale.
The report also takes into account six key variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and freedom from corruption.
Below are the top 10 happiest countries in Africa and how they rank globally:
Libya
Libya ranks number one in Africa as the happiest nation but takes the 66th spot globally with a score of 5.86 amid recent strides in political stability. Following the resolution of its second civil war in 2020, the nation has witnessed significant progress. Most recently, the three primary ruling factions have reached a consensus on a framework for a unified government.
Mauritius
Mauritius follows Libya as the second happiest country in Africa yet ranks globally at 70th with a score of 5.816.
South Africa
South Africa comes in third in Africa and has made notable strides in the latest World Happiness Report, climbing two spots to rank at number 83 overall with a happiness score of 5.422. This improvement in life satisfaction and happiness marks a considerable leap from its pre-COVID ranking of 106th. The nation now finds itself among the companies of various emerging markets in the report. South Africa shares its current ranking with countries such as Colombia (78), Indonesia (80), Bulgaria (81), and Algeria (85).
Algeria
Algeria followed in fourth place in Africa and 85th globally with a score of 5.364. According to the country’s GDP, life expectancy, freedom, and social support, amongst others.
Congo (Brazzaville)Congo comes in fifth as the happiest country in Africa and 89th in the world rankings with a scorecard of 5.221. According to the report, Congo Brazzaville has shown one of the highest increases in life evaluations, with rank increases of 40 places between 2013 and 2024.
Mozambique
Mozambique emerged sixth in Africa and 90th globally, with a score of 5.216. The average annual growth rate of Mozambique's happiness index from 2014 to 2021 is approximately 0.37%, calculated based on an increase from a 4.97 index in 2014 to a 5.05 index in 2021.
Gabon
The happiness index for Gabon experienced an average annual growth rate of approximately 3.18% from 2015 to 2021, increasing from a 4.12 index in 2015 to a 4.96 index in 2021. In the latest finding, Gabon ranked seventh in Africa and 95th globally with a score of 5.106.
Ivory Coast
The recent host and winner of the African Cup of Nations ranked as the eighth happiest country in Africa and placed 96th globally. Ivory Coast secured a score of 5.080. From 2015 to 2020, the Ivory Coast's happiness index ranged from a minimum of 3.66 points in 2015 to a maximum of 5.31 points in 2020, with an average value of 4.65 points. In 2023, the country’s value recorded 4.85 points.
Guinea
Guinea secured the ninth position in Africa with a global rank of 97th and a score of 5.023.
Senegal
In spite of its recent political instability, Senegal was ranked 10th happiest country in Africa and 99th globally. Senegal secured a score of 4.969.
The World Happiness Report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board.
