A study published by US News and World Report ranked the quality of life of citizens of 85 countries around the world. Nine of the countries that appear on this list are located on the African continent.
THE PROBLEMS OF SOUTH AFRICA
Considering the challenges of living in South Africa, it is not surprising that Mzansi is not the country with the highest living standards on the continent.
Being the African country with the most advanced economy on the continent, South African residents could be expected to enjoy a high standard of living compared to other African countries.
Ongoing corruption, faulty infrastructure, state-controlled power cuts, alarming levels of crime, and rising unemployment make life quite challenging and generates great dissatisfaction among the country’s residents.
LIFE IN AFRICA
Business Insider claims that Africa currently boasts the fastest growing economy in the world, along with the world’s youngest population.
That being said, the future development of the continent is imminent and many African nations should eventually move up the rankings for the highest quality of life index in the world.
MAIN AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Below is a list of the top five African countries that currently offer the best quality of life.
| Range | Country | Quality of life score | GDP per capita | population size | world ranking |
| one | Morocco | 12.7 | $8,114 | 37.3 meters | 52 |
| 2 | Egypt | 10.7 | $13,316 | 104.2 meters | 54 |
| 3 | South Africa | 8.4 | $14,420 | 60.04 meters | 60 |
| 4 | Tunisia | 6.5 | $11,595 | 11.9 meters | 64 |
| 5 | Ghana | 6.1 | $6,178 | 31.7 million | Sixty-five |
The list is based on an investigative report by US News and World Report and was determined by measuring access to food, housing, quality education, health care, and employment.
Other factors taken into consideration include job security, political stability, individual freedom, and environmental quality.
SOUTH AFRICA FALLS SHORT
While South Africa boasts the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of all the African countries at the top of the list, it does not offer the best quality of life for its people.
North African countries, including Morocco and Egypt, topped the list. With a population just over half the size of South Africa and a GDP of $8,114 (R137,714) per capita, Morocco offers the best quality of life on the African continent.
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