Top 20 Happiest Countries in Africa, 2024

Mauritius, Algeria, South Africa, Republic of Congo and Guinea are the top five happiest countries in Africa, according to the latest World Happiness Index.

The annual United Nations World Happiness Report ranks 150 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be, according to their evaluations of their own lives.

The report leverages six key factors, including social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption, to rank the countries. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network oversees the report, which is released every year in honour of the International Day of Happiness on March 20.

According to the report, “Mauritius has consistently been ranked as the happiest country in Africa, with a score significantly ahead of all other African countries.” Seven out of the top 20 happiest countries in Africa are in Western Africa, with the authors stating that the happiest places are those where people feel a sense of belonging and trust their fellow citizens and institutions.

Top 20 Happiest Countries in Africa, 2024

1. Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. It has consistently ranked as the happiest country in Africa in the World Happiness Report due to its stable political environment, diverse and vibrant culture, and thriving tourism industry. The country has also made significant strides in terms of economic growth and development, providing its citizens with a high standard of living and access to quality education and healthcare.

2. Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and is located in North Africa, is the second happiest country in Africa. Despite facing various challenges such as high unemployment rates and political instability, Algeria has managed to maintain a relatively high level of happiness among its citizens. This is partly due to the country’s strong sense of community, family values, and traditional culture. In recent years, the Algerian government has also invested heavily in social welfare programs, which have helped to improve the overall well-being of its people.

3. South Africa

South Africa is one of the most developed countries on the African continent, with a diverse and multicultural society. Although the country faces many challenges, such as high levels of crime, inequality, and poverty, it has still managed to rank as one of the happiest countries in Africa. This is largely due to the country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant music and arts scene, and strong sense of community and social connection.

4. Congo Republic

The Republic of Congo is a small country located in Central Africa. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, it has managed to rank as one of the happiest countries in Africa. This is partly due to the country’s strong sense of community and family values, as well as its rich cultural heritage. The Congo is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, which provides its citizens with a sense of pride and connection to their country.

5. Guinea

Guinea is a small West African country that has faced significant political instability and economic challenges in recent years. However, despite these difficulties, the country has managed to rank as one of the happiest in Africa. The country is also known for its vibrant music and arts scene, which provides its citizens with a sense of joy and connection to their cultural heritage.

6. Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a West African country known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. Despite facing political instability and economic challenges in recent years, Ivory Coast has managed to rank as one of the happiest countries in Africa. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, which is a source of pride for its citizens.

7. Gabon

Gabon is a Central African country known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources. The country has managed to maintain a high level of happiness among its citizens due to its stable political environment, strong sense of community, and high standard of living.

8. Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is known for its diverse cultures, vibrant music scene, and thriving economy. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as political instability, corruption, and terrorism, Nigeria has managed to rank as one of the happiest countries in Africa. This is partly due to the country’s strong sense of community and family values, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

9. Cameroon

Cameroon is a Central African country known for its stunning natural scenery, including its tropical rainforests, mountains, and beaches. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and economic inequality, Cameroon has managed to rank as one of the happiest countries in Africa. This is partly due to the country’s strong sense of community and family values, as well as its rich cultural heritage and vibrant music scene.

10. Mozambique

Mozambique is a country located in Southeast Africa, with a population of over 30 million people. Despite facing economic and political challenges in recent years, Mozambique ranks as the 10th happiest country in Africa. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with a diversity of ethnic groups and languages spoken. Mozambique is also known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and rich cuisine, which includes seafood, spices, and tropical fruits.

11. Morocco

Morocco is a country located in North Africa, known for its colorful markets, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. With a population of over 36 million people, Morocco ranks as the 11th happiest country in Africa. The country has a long history of Berber, Arab, and European influence, which has created a unique cultural blend. Morocco is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes tagine, couscous, and mint tea.

12. Senegal

Senegal is a country located in West Africa, with a population of over 16 million people. Despite facing challenges with poverty and unemployment, Senegal ranks as the 12th happiest country in Africa. The country is known for its vibrant music scene, with genres like mbalax and Afrobeat gaining popularity worldwide. Senegal is also known for its rich cuisine, which includes dishes like thieboudienne (fish and rice) and yassa (chicken or fish in a spicy onion sauce).

13. Mauritania

Mauritania is a country located in Northwest Africa, with a population of over 4 million people. Despite facing challenges with poverty and political instability, Mauritania ranks as the 13th happiest country in Africa. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Arab, Berber, and African influences. Mauritania is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Sahara desert and Banc d’Arguin National Park.

14. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa, with a population of over 20 million people. Despite facing challenges with poverty and political instability, Burkina Faso ranks as the 14th happiest country in Africa. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with a diversity of ethnic groups and languages spoken. Burkina Faso is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with genres like zouglou and coupé-décalé gaining popularity in the region.

15. Namibia

Namibia is a country in southwestern Africa, known for its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and diverse cultures. Despite facing challenges such as high unemployment rates and income inequality, Namibians have consistently ranked as some of the happiest people in Africa. This can be attributed to their strong sense of community and connection to nature, as well as the country’s political stability and progress in development.

16. Ghana

Located in West Africa, Ghana is known for its vibrant culture, friendly people, and strong sense of national pride. Ghanaians have a reputation for being some of the happiest and most welcoming people in Africa, with a strong focus on family, community, and spirituality. Ghana has also made significant progress in terms of economic development and political stability, which has contributed to its high ranking in the World Happiness Report.

17. Niger

Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, known for its vast deserts and rugged landscapes. Despite facing numerous challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and political instability, the people of Niger have shown remarkable resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Nigeriens have a strong sense of community and connection to their traditional cultures, which has helped to foster a deep sense of happiness and contentment among the population.

18. Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African country known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse cuisine. Tunisians are known for their warm hospitality and strong sense of national pride, and have consistently ranked among the happiest people in Africa.

19. Kenya

Kenya is an East African country known for its stunning wildlife, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Kenyans are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and have consistently ranked among the happiest people in Africa. Despite facing challenges such as poverty and political instability, Kenya has made significant progress in terms of economic development and social welfare, which has contributed to its high ranking as the 19th happiest country in Africa.

20. Uganda

Uganda is ranked as the 20th happiest country in Africa according to the World Happiness Report. Despite facing numerous challenges such as poverty, political instability, and healthcare issues, Uganda has maintained a relatively high level of happiness among its citizens. Ugandans are known for their friendly nature and rich cultural heritage, which contributes to their overall well-being.

Top 20 Saddest Countries in Africa, 2024

Last Updated: November 2024.