Here is the latest of those lists "they" love to produce:
http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/world-s-happiest-countries-233204795.html
I note that 4 of the top 10 (including the top 3) are all Scandinavian countries. Guess my family shouldn't have left...
Perhaps the high percentage of blond females enhances happiness.
They have certain natural advantages but basically sensible government
and an educated responsible population.
I recently read the book In Cod We Trust about a university professor who goes to Norway to live for a year to write a book about the experience. Hilarious and well written to show you the benefits and quirks of Norwegian society. I visited there a couple years ago and loved it, though I got the feeling some of their restrictions might get a little obnoxious after a while. The government has a monopoly on alcohol distribution...
Somewhere I read that the Skandanavian countries have a higher suicide rate. IIRC it was attributed to the funky light they get - like nearly half a year in darkness type stuff (yes I know most of these countries are below the Arctic Circle, but you get the gist).
I think it is one of those legends.
33 Romania 12.0 2009
34 United States[18] (more info) 12.0 2009
35 Norway 11.9 2009
36 Denmark 11.9 2006
37 Ireland 11.8 2009
38 Canada (more info) 11.3 2004
39 Iceland[19] 11.3 2009
40 Chile 11.2 2007
41 Switzerland 11.1 2007
More ranks:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/canada-falling-behind-poverty-inequality-says-report-085522557--finance.html
The U.S. didn't even make it to the top ten. How sad.