Faith Nyasuguta
Mauritius has been named Africa’s happiest country in 2025, ranking 78th globally with a score of 5.832, according to the latest World Happiness Report. Libya follows closely at 79th (5.820), with Algeria in third place on the continent, ranking 84th globally (5.571).
The World Happiness Report, created in collaboration with Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and other experts, analyzes happiness across more than 140 countries. It measures well-being based on six factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
While African countries often rank lower globally, Mauritius’s top spot highlights its relative stability, economic growth, and strong social support systems. Libya and Algeria’s positions also point to improvements in life satisfaction, despite ongoing challenges.
Globally, the Nordic nations continue to dominate the happiness rankings. Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, while Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway also maintain top positions. These countries’ success is largely credited to their strong social welfare systems, quality education, accessible healthcare, and lower inequality.
Meanwhile, the United States has slipped to 24th place, reflecting a decline in overall well-being. Many African nations continue to grapple with persistent issues such as economic inequality, political instability, and limited access to healthcare and education, all of which weigh heavily on happiness levels.
The report not only sheds light on global happiness but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many African nations and the steps some countries are taking toward greater well-being. As Mauritius leads the continent, it offers a glimpse into what’s possible with stability, growth, and strong social bonds.
Below are 2025’s top 10 happiest countries in Africa:
| Rank | Country | Score | Global rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritius | 5.832 | 78th |
| 2 | Libya | 5.820 | 79th |
| 3 | Algeria | 5.571 | 84th |
| 4 | South Africa | 5.213 | 95th |
| 5 | Mozambique | 5.190 | 96th |
| 6 | Gabon | 5.120 | 97th |
| 7 | Côte d’Ivoire | 5.102 | 98th |
| 8 | Congo | 5.030 | 100th |
| 9 | Guinea | 4.929 | 102nd |
| 10 | Namibia | 4.911 | 103rd |
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