The most important factors the report considered where the GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, trust in government, generousity and freedom to make life decisions.
Out of the 157 countries ranked, only 7 African countries were in the top 100 in the World Happiness Report.
Algeria and Mauritius topped the African list, globally ranking 38 and 66 respectively..
Even in the face of social unrest, countries like Libya and Somalia are the 3rd and 4th happiest African countries ranking 66 and 67 consecutively worldwide.
Nigeria was ranked as the 8th happiest country in Africa, behind Morocco, Somaliland and Tunisia.
Nigeria was placed globally at the 103rd position in light of the relevance of GDP per Capita and social support in the country. The report shows that Nigerian’s aren’t necessarily bothered by freedom to make life choices.
Zambia and Sierra Leone came 9th and 10th due to strong social support system and freedom to make life choices.
Unfortunately, several African countries such as Madagascar, Tanzania, Rwanda and Liberia dominated the bottom of the list with Togo and Burundi ranking below Afghanistan and Syria respectively.
This report goes to show a slight glimpse of the state of some African countries in the continent.
However, Nigerian writer, Yomi Kazeem doesn’t necessarily believe this is a bad thing. He is of the opinion that many more young Africans have stopped overlooking and making light of the issues that plague their countries and have started speaking out on every medium they can access.
