There are currently 7 countries in North Africa with Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt ranking as the most developed. Previously, the countries in the part of Africa were 8 until the number reduced when South Sudan became a part of East Africa in 2011.
At present, Sudan is the least developed country in the region with a GDP of $203.040 (PPP estimation) and $30.808 billion (nominal). In general, there are different criteria used to judge the most developed countries. The tool given by United Nations is Human Development Index (HDI). This means that the development of a nation does not only rely on its economic growth but also on human development such as long and healthy life, standard of living, and literacy level.
All 7 countries in North Africa with Algeria and Their Development Ranking
1. Algeria
In terms of development in Northern Africa, Algeria leads. It is also ranked 91 in the world and 3rd in Africa. Currently, it has a rising development level in the aspect of the Human Development Index (HDI).
The country is recorded as one of the most educated countries with not less than an 80% of literacy rate while its unemployment rate is about 31.9% in 2021, per The World Bank Data.
Using the UN criteria in judging developed countries, the life expectancy of Algeria is 77, based on the 2020 World bank review. Also, the economy of the country rises over the years. As of 2021, the economy rose by about 3.9% and its major source of wealth is oil and gas.
2. Tunisia
Tunisia has one of the richest collections of museums in Africa and in the aspect of development, it is the 95th in the world, 4th in Africa, and 2nd in Northern Africa.
Its HDI value is 0.740 in 2022 and has increased from the previous year with 0.002.
Looking at the development rate of the country, the employment rate may be ahead of some African countries, yet, like many other countries, there is about a 16.82% rate of unemployment. Nonetheless,
In the aspect of life expectancy, it is 77.17 and has increased from its previous 76.98 space in 2021 and 76.79 in 2020.
Its economy has been described as the 128th freest in the 2022 index with a freedom score is 54.2. The country is known for the heavy export of Insulated Wire, and Pure Olive Oil among products.
3. Libya
Per Human Development Index, Libya is the 6th most developed country in Africa and 105 in the world. It is known for being one of the top 5 most educated countries in Africa with a more than 90% literacy rate.
Although the country’s economy has suffered over the years, it has been recorded as the richest African country in oil in 2021 with 48.4 billion barrels, followed by Nigeria with 36.9 billion.
4. Egypt
Egypt is one of the most developed countries in Africa and its civilization dates as far back as the 4th millennium BCE.
As regards the development of the country per HD1, it is the 4th in North Africa, 8th in Africa, and 116 in the world.
In terms of the human development level, it has about 71.2% of literacy (2017 statistics) with an annual average growth rate of about 4%. While it may have a relatively good economy with the highest GDP in North Africa, its health sector has been reported by Wikipedia to be underfunding with only 4.75% of the country’s GDP.
5. Morocco
Morocco is known for its human development since the AC when it founded the first and still operating University, Al-Quaraouiyine (Al-Qarawiyin).
The literacy level is 73.75% which was recorded in 2018 and may have increased over the years.
Furthermore, its HDI value is 0.612 in females and 0.734 in males while its life expectancy is 77.9 in females and 75.4 in males.
In terms of infrastructural development, the country boasts of being one of the most beautiful countries in Africa and is known for harboring some major landmark architectural settings in North Africa.
In terms of economy, the country ranks as the 5th largest economy in Africa. It is known for generating income from car exports, mixed mineral or chemical fertilizers, insulated wire, and phosphoric acid.
See Also: Safest Countries In Africa
6. Mauritania
The Arab country prides itself as one of the most developed countries in North Africa. Per HDI, it is the 6th in North Africa, 24th in Africa, and 157 in the world.
This criterion is judged based on its 53.50% rate of literacy while the country spends an approximate 3.3% of its gross domestic product on health. There is also a 63.7 health expectancy in the country.
More to this, its death rate expectancy has appreciated significantly from 73.4 years in 2019 as compared to 2000 when the expectancy was 66.8 years.
Looking at the economic development of the country, it has recorded growth over the years. By 2022, it is estimated at 4% and may reach 4.2%.
7. Sudan
Sudan is the 8th most developed country in Africa in terms of HD1. It is the 36th in Africa, and 170.
The country has experienced a decrease in GDP growth rate over the years. United Nations has labeled it the least developed. Nonetheless, its literacy level grows significantly and is at present about 60.70% with an annual change of 7.18%.
Algeria remains at the top of the list of the most developed countries in North Africa in terms of HDI while Egypt ranks top in the aspect of GDP, Egypt leads. Since the HDI rises and falls, and so is GDP, both countries may increase or decrease in both aspects. If this happens, it is either to gain better grounds and be ranked higher or may go below expectations. From what we know, Egypt’s HDI from 2019 to 2022 has increased by 0.006 while Algeria increased by only 0.002. If both countries continue at the same pace, then Algeria may drop in its position and Egypt may rise to compete better with Libya which has seen a rise of 0.003. Whatever the case, Algeria’s highest HDI keeps it at number 3 in Africa, behind Mauritius with 0.804 HDI and the only African country to be marked with a very high human development and also behind Seychelles with 0.796
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