USA ranks 17th among world's happiest countries

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Something to smile about? Americans are not the happiest people on earth, but we do rank a respectable No. 17, among 156 countries evaluated for a new United Nations report.

The second annual World Happiness Report, released Monday, finds the highest levels of happiness in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden, all in northern Europe. The lowest ranked were Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Benin and Togo, all in Africa.

The report, from the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, is based on how people around the world rate their overall satisfaction with life, not just on how they feel at any moment. It shows that while economic conditions matter, factors such as life expectancy, freedom and social support do, too. The report says human happiness should be a more important part of how we measure nation-by-nation progress.

"There is now a rising worldwide demand that policy be more closely aligned with what really matters to people, as they themselves characterize their well-being," report co-editor Jeffrey Sachs said in a statement. Sachs is director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York.

And the world may be getting just a little happier: Data for the new report, collected between 2010 and 2012, showed overall increases in happiness from the first round, collected between 2005 and 2011. Happiness was up most in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, but down in countries struck by economic upheaval (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain) or political convulsions (Egypt).

Happiness in the United States fell slightly, but Americans remained happier than people in the United Kingdom (ranked 22nd), France (25th) or Japan (43rd). Countries ranked higher than the USA include Canada (6th), Costa Rica (12th) and Mexico (16th).

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/09/09/happy-countries/2785845/

We're #1....7!

[Teddy B 17,252]

We're #1....7!

I see what you did there.

If you don't like it here..................

[Penny Lane 8,159]

If you don't like it here..................

Complain louder?

[JohnR! 5,495]

The study must be wrong. It lists 5 socialist countries at the top. It must a conspiracy!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

We need more guns and ammo to climb to the number 1 spot in happiness. That and get rid of The Kenyan. The latter drags us down at least a couple spots all by himself.

Edited September 9, 2013 by Mr. Big Dog

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I thought Australia was the happiest country? Or was Booyah lying?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

We're #1....7!

Mexico is happier...wonder why they are all coming here

I love the way liberals interpret data

Liberal--we are 17th proof positive we suck and socialist countries are better

Rational Human--WOW! Out of 192 countries we are 17th in happiness. We are in the top 10%..What a great country we live in.

You guys never miss a chance to look silly

[Penny Lane 8,159]

A couple jokes is equal to "interpreting data" now. Be careful.

[RGinWA 816]

We're 17....we're 17...we're 17!

Dang right, better than 18th!

And Mexico is happier because they have a stronger sense of nationalism...we're just a pissed off country in general.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

We're 17....we're 17...we're 17!

Dang right, better than 18th!

And Mexico is happier because they have a stronger sense of nationalism...we're just a pissed off country in general.

We are in the top 10% of happiest countries in the world, but yet we are pissed off

[duraaraa 203]

Mexico is happier...wonder why they are all coming here

For money.

Money ≠ Happiness

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

We are in the top 10% of happiest countries in the world, but yet we are pissed off

So you finally come to be content with America not being #1. Excellent!

[GandD 5,966]

Complain louder?

That seems to be the general consensus.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Wait, someone here decided that liberals made this report? LMAO

[GandD 5,966]

I thought Australia was the happiest country? Or was Booyah lying?

I think Sydney residents are the happiest with their living situation or something. I dunno, these poles are pointless. American's love their country and vehemently hate it at the same time.