While African nations often appear lower in these rankings, some countries are making notable progress. In the latest report, Mauritius leads as the happiest country in Africa, ranking 78th globally with a score of 5.832.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 happiest countries in Africa in 2025.
- The list is courtesy of The World Happiness Report.
- In the latest report, Mauritius leads as the happiest country in Africa, ranking 78th globally with a score of 5.832.
Happiness is a rich and complex experience, shaped by economic conditions, social connections, and political stability. Every year, the World Happiness Report gives us a glimpse into global well-being, ranking countries based on how satisfied their citizens feel with their lives.
While African nations often appear lower in these rankings, some countries stand out as the happiest on the continent. In the latest report, Mauritius leads as Africa’s happiest country, ranking 78th globally with a score of 5.832.
DON’T MISS THIS: 10 most stable countries in Africa
Right behind is Libya at 79th (5.820), followed by Algeria at 84th (5.571). These rankings reflect the relative stability, economic improvements, and social support that help improve life satisfaction in these nations.
The report, developed in collaboration with Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and other experts, draws insights from over 140 countries.
It measures happiness using six key factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
At the top of the list, the Nordic countries continue to shine. Finland holds the title of the world’s happiest country for the eighth year in a row, while Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway maintain their strong positions.
Their success is often credited to robust social welfare systems, high-quality education, accessible healthcare, and lower inequality, ensuring a high standard of living for most citizens.
DON’T MISS THIS: From Mauritius to South Africa: Here are the most economically free countries in Africa
Meanwhile, the United States has slipped to 24th place, reflecting a dip in overall well-being.
For many African nations, persistent challenges, such as economic inequality, political instability, and limited access to healthcare and education, continue to weigh on happiness levels.
Below are the top 10 happiest countries in Africa in 2025:
| 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 |
