If you’re happy and you know it, you might live in Denmark.
According to the recently released Better Life Index, published annually by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Danes are the most satisfied with their lives.
The Better Life Index goes beyond economic indicators and compares well-being across 11 major life areas, including community, education, environment, civic engagement, health, housing, income, jobs, life satisfaction, safety and work-life balance, in 36 countries across the globe.
While the U.S. ranks at the top in housing and income and above average in health, jobs and earnings, personal security, subjective well-being, environmental quality, and civic engagement, it wasn’t enough to push the U.S. into the top 10 for happiest countries.
The OECD noted that the U.S. ranks below average in work-life balance. Overall, people in the U.S. gave their general satisfaction with life a 7.2 grade out of 10. The OECD average is 6.6, so even though America couldn’t crack the top 10 list for happiest countries (for the fifth consecutive year), Americans are still fairly happy and satisfied with their lives.
Using only the rankings for the highest life satisfaction score from the OECD’s Better Life Index, 24/7 Wall St. said these are the top 10 happiest countries in the world:
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Israel
- Norway
- Australia
- Canada
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
You can create your own customized Better Life Index by clicking here. Use the slider bars to rate the importance of each of the 11 variables of well-being.
Do you agree with the analysis of the U.S.? Share your comments below.
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