The World Happiness Report for 2024 has been released, showcasing the happiest country in Africa and happiness levels of countries around the globe.
Once again, Nordic countries dominate the top spots, with Finland leading the pack for the seventh consecutive year.
Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden follow closely behind. In Africa, Libya stands out with a happiness score of 5.866.
Factors Influencing Happiest Countries
The report considers various factors, including a country’s GDP, life expectancy, and perceptions of freedom and corruption, to provide a comprehensive view of each nation’s happiness levels.
John Helliwell, emeritus professor of economics at the Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, noted that Finland excels in these areas, with high-quality health and education opportunities and a strong sense of community.
Insights into Happiness Trends
The 2024 report introduces age-specific rankings, revealing concerning trends in life satisfaction among young people in certain regions.
Global happiness inequality has risen by over 20% in the past twelve years, with significant variations based on age and geographical location.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, happiness inequality, especially among the elderly, has increased notably.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Modern Day Slavery Rates
Gender and Happiness
The report also highlights gender differences in happiness. Negative emotions were more prevalent among females than males in every region from 2021 to 2023, with the gender gap widening at higher ages.
Top 10 Happiest Countries in Africa
According to the UN’s World Happiness Report 2024, here are the top 10 happiest African countries:
- Libya – Score: 5.866, Global Rank: 66
- Mauritius – Score: 5.816, Global Rank: 70
- South Africa – Score: 5.422, Global Rank: 83
- Algeria – Score: 5.364, Global Rank: 85
- Congo (Brazzaville) – Score: 5.221, Global Rank: 89
- Mozambique – Score: 5.216, Global Rank: 90
- Gabon – Score: 5.106, Global Rank: 95
- Ivory Coast – Score: 5.080, Global Rank: 96
- Guinea – Score: 5.023, Global Rank: 97
- Senegal – Score: 4.969, Global Rank: 99
Conclusion
The World Happiness Report provides valuable insights into the factors influencing happiness levels worldwide.
While Nordic countries continue to lead in happiness, African nations are also making strides, with Libya, Mauritius, and South Africa among the continent’s happiest countries.