The 2026 World Happiness Report has been released, with Mauritius leading the list of the happiest countries in Africa, with a score of 5.9, ranking 73rd in the world.
The island nation continues to stand out for its political stability, social cohesion, and quality of life. Libya and Algeria are close behind, both with a happiness score of 5.7, showing how even in difficult political situations, factors such as social connections and social support still play a significant role in how people evaluate their lives, the report said.
In addition to Africa’s ranking, countries such as Mozambique, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire fall into the middle range, where economic challenges are balanced by a healthy lifestyle that helps reduce suffering.
Cameroon and South Africa follow, with South Africa ranked 101st in the world with a score of 5.0, while Nigeria is 106th with a score of 4.7.
World leaders
What is striking about this situation is the contrast between Africa and the rest of the world, with countries like Finland, Denmark and Iceland continuing to top the rankings.
Their success is largely attributed to strong institutions, low corruption and a well-developed social welfare system, the report said.
At the bottom of the list, the report shows how happiness is linked to stability and security. Afghanistan is the least happy country in the world, with a score of just 1.4.
Then there are Sierra Leone, Malawi and Zimbabwe, where economic pressures, political uncertainty and limited access to essential services continue to hamper daily life.
Yemen and Lebanon are also close to the country, where they are often plagued by conflict and economic collapse, the report said.
The impact of social media
One of the most striking findings in the report is the decline in happiness and well-being among young people in North America and Western Europe over the past 15 years.
This trend is consistent with the growth of social media, which the report said has raised questions about its long-term impact.
The report found that heavy social media use – more than five hours a day – was linked to higher levels of anxiety, symptoms of depression and increased perceptions of low self-esteem and low self-worth among young people.
Social media platforms are built on the use of unhealthy behaviors, such as the pursuit of inappropriate images and videos, which have a negative impact on social life, the report said.
Social media influencers, particularly those popular among young people, known as Gen Z, reveal a lifestyle that is being emulated that fosters competition and creates a sense of scarcity and ingratitude for what one has to offer in order to find happiness, the report says.
However, for the African continent, the overall decline in happiness is more likely to be linked to structural and economic challenges than to the internet.
The report was compiled by the Wellbeing Research Institute at Oxford University in partnership with the United Nations Centre for Sustainable Development.
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