😊 Is Mauritius Really the Happiest Nation in Africa?
By Zane Bezuidenhout – Harcourts Offshore
Yes—it truly is! According to the United Nations’ World Happiness Report, Mauritius is officially the happiest country in Africa, and has consistently ranked at the top of the continent in recent years.
A Consistent Leader in Well-Being
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Mauritius ranked 78th globally, well ahead of all other African nations. It’s not a one-time fluke—Mauritius has been a regular leader in African happiness rankings, thanks to its stable political environment, excellent infrastructure, strong healthcare and education systems, and high levels of personal freedom and safety.
Why Are Mauritians So Happy?
The report assesses happiness based on a mix of six key factors:
- GDP per capita
- Social support
- Healthy life expectancy
- Freedom to make life choices
- Generosity
- Perceptions of corruption
Mauritius scores well across the board, particularly in income, healthcare, and freedom. Unlike many other African countries, it also enjoys low crime rates, a diverse yet harmonious society, and a peaceful political climate.
The Lifestyle Factor
Living in Mauritius means more than just warm weather and beaches (though those help!). The island has a genuine sense of community, a slower pace of life, and access to nature that promotes both mental and physical well-being.
For expats and investors, this happiness ranking isn’t just a fun fact—it’s a quality of life indicator. A happier population means better employee retention, more stable real estate values, and a healthier environment to raise a family or retire.
🌞 FAQ: Happiness & Life in Mauritius
Q: Is Mauritius officially the happiest country in Africa?
A: Yes. According to the UN’s World Happiness Report 2025, Mauritius is ranked 78th globally and is the highest-ranked African country.
Q: What makes Mauritius rank so high in happiness?
A: Strong economic performance, excellent healthcare and education, high safety levels, social cohesion, and personal freedom all contribute to the nation’s overall well-being.
Q: How does Mauritius compare to other African countries?
A: Mauritius consistently outperforms the rest of the continent in happiness, quality of life, and governance, followed at a distance by countries like Libya and Algeria.
Q: Is Mauritius a good place to live for expats?
A: Absolutely. The combination of beautiful surroundings, a friendly multicultural society, and efficient infrastructure makes it one of the best places in Africa to live and invest.
Q: Does happiness impact real estate or investment opportunities?
A: Yes. Happy countries tend to attract more long-term investors, remote workers, and retirees, which in turn stabilizes the property market and increases demand for quality housing.
