Find out if You’re Living in a Happy Country

happiness map

“A recent survey found that 81% of the UK population agreed that the Government’s primary objective should be the creation of happiness not wealth. Earlier this year David Cameron, HM Leader of the Opposition, put happiness firmly on the political agenda by arguing that “It’s time we admitted that there’s more to life than money, and it’s time we focused not just on GDP, but on GWB – general well-being.” - Adrian White

And so it’s no surprise that someone has gone out and ranked every country by how happy the citizens are.

Here’s the top ten:

DENMARK
SWITZERLAND
AUSTRIA
ICELAND
BAHAMAS
FINLAND
SWEDEN
BHUTAN
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
CANADA

The U.S. placed 23rd, behind a few countries that I’ve never even heard of. Maybe it’s time to move?

The full list can be found here, at the bottom of the page.

Further Reading:
- A Global Projection of Subjective Well-being: A Challenge to Positive Psychology? by Adrian White

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2 Responses to “Find out if You’re Living in a Happy Country”

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1 FekketCantenel Posted May 13th, 2008 - 12:25 pm

#23 out of about 180 ain’t bad. Judging from that map, we’re (by which I mean, we in the USA) are far on the happy side of the curve. Canada barely looks any darker!
2 Stu Posted May 13th, 2008 - 12:44 pm

I was ready to be all pessimistic but you know what you’re right, 23rd out of 180 ain’t bad at all. That’s way ahead of most and it leaves some room for improvement too; something to shoot for.

Improved Lives