World's Happiest Country Is...

Denmark, and unhappiest is Togo: report
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 3, 2012 12:19 PM CDT
World's Happiest Country Is...
People enjoying the warm weather at the Lakes in Copenhagen on Saturday, Oct 1, 2011.   (AP Photo/Polfoto/Peter Mydske)

Bhutan measures the mood of its citizens in a national happiness index, and in an international meeting held at the UN yesterday and led by the country, it urged other nations to follow its lead. A report released for the meeting, taking into account polls from 2005 to 2011, ranks the happiest and unhappiest countries. The happiest (the US makes an appearance at No. 11):

  1. Denmark
  2. Finland
  3. Norway
  4. Netherlands
  5. Canada

The unhappiest, starting with last place:

  • Togo
  • Benin
  • Central African Republic
  • Sierra Leone
  • Burundi
The Los Angeles Times notes that the unhappiest countries are, not surprisingly, much poorer than the happiest countries and have a much lower life expectancy. Click for the top 10 in both categories, or check out why you may not want to be too happy. (More happiness stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X