In the 2022 World Happiness Report, Africa was ranked as the world's unhappiest region, with a regional score of 4.5. Mauritius is the happiest country in the region because of its high income status. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, remains the region's least happiest country.
People's assessments of their happiness, as well as economic and social data, are used to compile the World Happiness Report. GDP per capita, life expectancy, population generosity, and opinions on corruption levels are all examined in the report. According to the survey, these are Africa's top 10 happiest countries in 2022.
1 Mauritius
Mauritius is the happiest and most developed country on the African continent. It is the only African country with a high human development index and according to the Global Peace Index, the most peaceful African country. The tourism and hospitality industries contribute significantly to the country's GDP. The island nation’s well-managed democracy makes it an excellent place to live and start a business.
2. Libya
Libya is the second happiest country in the continent and the 86th happiest country in the world. Thanks to oil earnings and a population of just under 7 million people, Libya has one of the highest nominal per capita GDPs on the continent.
3. The Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is the third happiest country on the continent and 88th globally. The West African country boasts one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. Agriculture provides the majority of the country's income and employs most people.
4. South Africa
This year, South Africa was ranked among the top 100 happiest countries in the world. The continent's third-largest economy jumped from 103rd place to 91st place in 2022. Despite progress since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa remains a country marked by massive inequality and high crime, and more should be done.
5. The Gambia
The Gambia is a small country in West Africa with a population of roughly 2.1 million people. It is one of the poorest countries on the planet. The Gambia's economy is recovering well from the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism and trade industries contribute significantly to the GDP of the country. The Gambia is currently the 5th happiest country on the continent and 93rd globally.
6. Algeria
Algeria, Africa's largest country by landmass, is the continent's sixth happiest country. Since the last poll, Algeria has risen 13 places in the world's happiness rankings, from 109th to 96th. Although Algeria's economy was severely affected by COVID-19, economists predict a GDP rise of 2 to 3% in 2022.
7. Liberia
Liberia is Africa's seventh happiest country and the world's 97th. With a GDP of 2.95 billion dollars, it is one of Africa's least developed countries. Liberia's natural resources provide for the majority of the country's GDP. However, the industry is not effectively controlled. On the plus side, Liberia's economy is steadily improving.
8. The Congo
The Congo is one of those rare examples of an impoverished country being happier than many wealthy nations. Despite being a major oil producer, about half of the population of the Republic of the Congo lives in poverty. The country is politically stable and generally safe, despite its poverty. The Congolese people are proof that happiness means being content with what you have: their homeland is the 8th happiest country in Africa and the 99th happiest country in the world.
9. Morocco
Morocco is Africa's ninth happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report. Morocco is a must-see destination for anyone considering a trip to Africa. The North African country features some of Africa's oldest and most practical architecture. The country has a stable political environment.
10. Mozambique
Mozambique, a country in southern Africa, is the 10th happiest African country. For most Mozambicans, agriculture remains their primary source of income. The tourism sector appears to be promising, especially given the country's extensive beaches and islands.