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Denmark first in yet another survey of the world's happiest countries
Back in April, Catherine posted about Denmark being ranked the world's happiest country by the University of Leicester in England, which published its so-called Map of World Happiness.Well, just in case you doubted that institution's findings, another study, this one released last week by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, has also ranked Danes No. 1 in terms of happiness and life satisfaction.
The Michigan study's overall conclusion: Happiness is on the rise worldwide.
It's perhaps no surprise that Denmark tops the list, since it is a perennial favorite in any survey of this ilk. There is just something about life in that Scandinavian country that is apparently better than anywhere else. But a few other countries in the top 10 do surprise...at least me: Puerto Rico. Colombia. Northern Ireland.
The 10 happiest countries in the world:
- Denmark
- Puerto Rico
- Colombia
- Iceland
- N. Ireland
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Canada
- Austria
This is the 26th edition of the U of M study, which annually surveys around 350,000 people worldwide, asking them, well, just how happy they feel.
The 10 unhappiest countries in the world:
- Zimbabwe
- Armenia
- Moldova
- Belarus
- Ukraine
- Albania
- Iraq
- Bulgaria
- Georgia
- Russia
Check out the complete U of M rankings here.
Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Denmark
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bohemus Jul 8th 2008 11:19AM
Puerto Rico isn't a country....
The same can be said for Northern Ireland
Jim Jul 8th 2008 12:07PM
If Ireland is so "happy", why are there so many emigrants? Half the expats in the Middle East are Irish..and I know a lot of them who have moved to the USA any way they could get there.....
Anders Jul 8th 2008 12:35PM
In other news:
Forbes Magazine ranks Denmark The Best Countries For Business. http://snipurl.com/2uzxd
and
Copenhagen named world's best city for quality of life by Monocle magazine. http://snipurl.com/2uzzu
Steve Leong Jul 10th 2008 1:36PM
Take notice, that many of the happiest places have equal rights for Gays, including same-sex marriage. The unhappy countries ... they stone or crusify Gays.
What can I say, what one sows, so shall they reap!
Mike Aug 1st 2008 2:37PM
Why does Puerto rico surprise anyone. In 05, they were number 1. Every year they are at the top of that list. If you haven't experienced Puerto rico and I don't mean San juan, I mean spending time the people inland. You shouldn't act as if you have. They are polite, sweet, engaging, generous, respectful and excepting of everyone. I know you look at factors like the economy, politics, education, etc. In spite of what you think education is very important to Puerto ricans, there college graduation rate is higher than any states in the U.S. and the 100 year old University is an accredited institution Puerto ricans don't worry about what they can't control. They focus on family, health and the overall life.
Joe. Aug 1st 2008 2:50PM
Mr. White this is for you. The last time I was in PR I met a Canadian couple who loved Pr and their beaches. While talking to them they said that they were told to be careful of the food because Puerto ricans are used to cooking in oil. Of course I inquired - well they had been told that in homes throughtout the island no on had stoves. I couldn't stop laughing. Of course, I explained to them that every home in every community throughout the island had whirlpool fridges and stoves just like on the mainland. See too many people have these ideas about Pr. My girlfriend who is from the island thought it was hysterical. I was offended but she wasn't. A short time later it dawned on me. She was just another sweet and kind islander and it was a credit to her for not being offended. Spend some time on the island and you'll see why the people there are so happy.