What Countries Have the Happiest People?

Where in the world do people feel most content with their lives?

According to a new report released by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
happiness levels are highest in Northern European countries.  Denmark,
Finland and the Netherlands rated at the top of the list, ranking
first, second and third respectively. Outside Europe, Canada ranked 6th
and New Zealand ranked 8th. Switzerland placed seventh and Belgium
placed 9th. The United States did not make the top 10 rankings, and
further, ranked the highest for child poverty and obesity among the
western nations polled.

What data to determine the rankings were used? Subjective
well-being, defined as life satisfaction was one of the prime
indicator. In other words, did people feel like their lives were
dominated by positive experiences and feelings or negative ones?  The
OECD used data from a Gallup World Poll in 140 countries. Respondents
were asked if they had experienced six different forms of positive or
negative feelings.

Why did some countries come out on top?  Certainly overall economic
health has played a powerful role. For example, Denmark, which got the
highest score, is not only a wealthy country, it's also highly
productive with a 2009 GDP per capita of $68.000 (U.S.) according to
the International Monetary Fund. In contrast, the U.S. GDP per capita
was $47,335.  BUT....wealth
alone does not bring the highest happiness score, according to the
report. Norway had the highest GDP per capita at $98,822, yet it ranked
19th, not first. On the other hand, New Zealand, which was ranked 8th,
had a GDP per capita of $30,556.

So what are other factors that may account for happiness levels?  According to the British Medical Journal article
by Dr. Tony Delamothe, research done in Mexico, Ghana, Sweden, the U.S.
and the U.K. shows that although individuals typically get more wealthy
during their lifetimes, they don't get happier.  Rather, argues
Delamonthe, family, social and community networks bring joy to one's
life.

Another important factor is work-life balance. While the
Scandanavian countries boast high GDPs, the average workweek in those
countries is no more than 37 hours per week. In contrast, the average
worker in the U.S. may be the hardest working employee in Western
countries, according to the UN International Labor Organization,
working far more hours now than a generation ago, with a negative net
increase in the standard of living.

World experts on the subject of happiness, Dr. Ed Diener and Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky and Dr. Martin Seligman,
have  concluded that beyond the basic level of necessities to support
life, such as adequate, food, water, housing, the following things can
increase happiness levels: meaningful close relationships; a positive,
optimistic frame of mind; accepting responsibility for your life; being
engaged in meaningful work; living in the present; and practicing an
altruistic life, including gratitude, forgiveness and compassion.

I suspect the happiness-productivity debate will go on for some years, but the recent OECD is certainly an eye-opener.

Ray Williams is Co-Founder of Success IQ University and
President of Ray Williams Associates, companies located in Phoenix and
Vancouver, providing leadership development, personal growth and
executive coaching services. www.successiqu.com.