Happiness is a fundamental aspect of human well-being, playing a crucial role in the social and economic development of societies worldwide. The World Happiness Report, which assesses global happiness in over 150 countries, has declared Finland the happiest for the sixth consecutive year.
To rank the countries, this annual report evaluates six key factors - social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. Released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, the report sheds light on the happiness trends worldwide.
Among the top-ranking countries, Nordic nations reign supreme, with Denmark securing the second position and Iceland following at number three. The report also explores happiness inequality, analysing the gap between the most and least happy populations. Findings suggest that countries with smaller happiness gaps tend to have happier citizens.
In Africa, happiness gaps are widening. The report highlights the top 10 happiest countries on the continent, with Mauritius claiming the first spot with a happiness score of 5.902. Algeria closely follows with a score of 5.392, and South Africa secures the third position with a score of 5.275. Other countries in the top 10, in order, are Congo DRC, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Mozambique.
Here is a list of the top 10 happiest countries in Africa in 2023, based on the World Happiness Report:
Top 10 happiest countries in Africa in 2023
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritius | 5.902 |
| 2 | Algeria | 5.392 |
| 3 | South Africa | 5.275 |
| 4 | Congo, Republic | 5.267 |
| 5 | Guinea | 5.072 |
| 6 | Ivory Coast | 5.053 |
| 7 | Gabon | 5.035 |
| 8 | Nigeria | 4.981 |
| 9 | Cameroon | 4.973 |
| 10 | Mozambique | 4.954 |