The world’s happiest countries have been revealed in the 2021 World Happiness Report. But how do Africa’s countries fare?
The 2021 World Happiness Report finds Mauritius to be the happiest country in Africa, followed by Nigeria – a result that will surprise everyone but Nigerians: is there a more optimistic country, even against all odds, on the planet?
The reports owe a debt of gratitude to myriad sources, particularly to the Gallup World Poll, which is unique in the range and comparability of its global series of annual surveys. Although the data partner is Gallup, institutional sponsors of the World Happiness Report include the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, the Centre for Economic Performance at the LSE, the Vancouver School of Economics at UBC and the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford.
This (ninth) World Happiness Report is unlike any that have come before. COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, and its effect on wellbeing and happiness has been significant. A broader variety of data have, therefore, been used to trace the size and distribution of the happiness impacts of COVID-19. It is a comprehensive report; details and methodologies can be found here. Suffice it to say that there’s much more to this sort of report than you would first think.
Here’s the ranking based on 2020 surveys:
Mauritius
It was Mark Twain who said this about Mauritius: “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius”. Pretty high bar, then.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a pulsating powerhouse of hustlers – and that’s a compliment. Nigerians are quite possibly the most optimistic people on earth. Lagos, which used to be its capital, is what most people are familiar with, but there is much more to Nigeria than Lagos, including deep and layered cultures.
Ghana
Ghana is often described as one of Africa’s best success stories, and with good reason. The country has benefitted from a relatively stable democracy and a growing tourist industry thanks to wonderful wildlife, beautiful hinterland and hospitable people.
Côte d’Ivoire
Beautiful, starfish-studded beaches, wonderful cuisine and style in abundance are the standout features of this nation.
Cameroon
Despite its being a huge ethnic and linguistic tapestry, Cameroon enjoys surprising stability. The country has much to offer, including pristine beaches, tropical rainforest, an impressive capital, makossa music and, we’re told, delicious fufu. Reason enough to move there.
South Africa
Where do we start? The Rainbow Nation is fascinating in and of itself. There is much more to South Africa than the Big Five. A magnificent food culture, fascinating languages and varied, spectacular landscapes are just a few reasons why South Africa features in the top ten list of Africa’s happiest countries – and this is despite its ongoing cultural and racial tensions.
Zambia
Zambia is synonymous with the bush and the wilderness, with a pace of life that is as languid as the rivers that run through it: the Kafue, the Luangwa and the Zambezi.
Morocco
The ‘gateway to Africa’ has a mixed Arab and Berber population but still manages to display a strong national identity. Morocco’s people are warm and hospitable, and the country as a whole has much to offer. With its striking landscapes and diverse cultures, Morocco is as richly coloured as any of the handwoven, multicoloured tapestries you’ll want to snap up in the medinas of Fez or Marrakech.
Tunisia
An intriguing and charming country, Tunisia enjoys a breathtakingly rich history – Romans, Spaniards, Ottomans and Turks have all left their footprints. The Tunis people are warm and hospitable, but we have a theory that their happiness score lies in the ubiquitous harissa – it’s virtually impossible to eat a meal without it.
Uganda
Uganda is, surprisingly, one of the safest cities in Africa. Not without its controversies, Uganda nonetheless has much to offer, including outstanding wildlife (and half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas), diverse landscapes and white-sand beaches.
