Guess which has been named as the happiest country in Africa by the World Happiness Report? – None other than Mauritius.
Mauritius has claimed the top spot on the continent, ranking 78th globally. While this marks a decline from its previous positions of 43rd in 2017 and 2019, Mauritius continues to lead African nations in overall happiness.
The report evaluates factors like social support, GDP per capita, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption, highlighting Mauritius’ strengths in these areas. The nation ranks 62nd for social support, 49th for GDP per capita (£21,565), 71st for freedom, 70th for generosity, and 46th for perceptions of corruption. Despite a drop in global rankings, Mauritius remains a symbol of contentment in Africa.
The World Happiness Report also reflects the broader African context, with Sierra Leone ranking second-to-last globally at 146th, just ahead of Afghanistan. Of Africa’s 54 countries, only 41 were included, with 13 nations—such as Sudan, Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea—not ranked due to lack of data.
Top 10 Happiest African Countries (Global Ranking):
- Mauritius – 78
- Libya – 79
- Algeria – 84
- South Africa – 95
- Mozambique – 96
- Gabon – 97
- Côte d’Ivoire – 98
- Congo – 100
- Guinea – 102
- Namibia – 103
Globally, the top five happiest countries are dominated by Scandinavian nations, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands leading the pack. These countries consistently perform well in happiness rankings due to their strong social welfare systems, high standards of living, and robust community support.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has slipped to 23rd place, trailing behind countries like Costa Rica (6th), Mexico (10th), New Zealand (12th), and Slovenia (19th). This decline reflects broader global trends, where economic challenges, social disparities, and other factors have impacted happiness levels in many nations.
Recent Updates and Insights:
The 2023 World Happiness Report also highlights the growing importance of mental health and community resilience in determining happiness levels. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have seen shifts in their rankings as they grapple with the long-term effects of the crisis. For instance, Mauritius’ slight decline in global ranking may reflect the challenges faced by small island nations in recovering from economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.
However, Mauritius has made significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, which have contributed to its high quality of life. The nation’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty, including its pristine beaches and coral reefs, has not only boosted its economy but also enhanced the well-being of its citizens.
In contrast, countries like Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, which rank at the bottom of the list, continue to face significant challenges, including political instability, poverty, and limited access to healthcare and education.