Denmark World’s Happiest Country, U.S. 16th

By Anastacia Mott Austin

I always suspected those Scandinavians were a contented lot. Now a world survey has confirmed it.

The World Values Survey, which has been used since 1981, was created and carried out by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research.

This year’s survey is published in the July issue of Perspectives in Psychological Science.

While the world’s people have been getting happier in general, according to the survey, the Danes are the most satisfied overall.

The survey consists of only two questions: "Taking all things together, would you say you are very happy, rather happy, not very happy, not at all happy?" And "All things considered, how satisfied are you with your life?"

The survey is given to about 350,000 people in 97 countries.

Forty-five out of 52 countries surveyed reported increases levels of overall happiness over the 26-year period the survey has been given.

This surprised the researchers. "Most previous research suggests that people and nations are stuck on a 'hedonic treadmill,'" said Ronald Inglehart, director of the university study. "The belief has been that no matter what happens or what we do, basic happiness levels are stable and don't really change."

The experts at Michigan University say the rise in happiness is most likely due to increases in democratization in world nations, better social tolerance and economic growth. Countries with democratic leadership reported higher levels of happiness than those under dictatorships. Duh.

"Ultimately, the most important determinant of happiness is the extent to which people have free choice in how to live their lives," said Inglehart. "Policies that help increase the society's sense of solidarity and tolerance may also help," he added.

Not surprisingly, Zimbabwe came in dead last at number 97, reflecting the recent political unrest and unhappiness of its people.

So why didn’t America, with its untold riches and benefits, sail in at number one? A recent Pew poll gives some hints. Baby boomers, especially, are a particularly gloomy lot, predicting financial hardship and a "hard to get ahead" work life.

In addition, the poll found that a shocking 81 percent felt that the United States was "on the wrong track," politically and economically.

Other countries scoring in the top ten were Colombia, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Rounding out the bottom, along with Zimbabwe, were Armenia and Moldova.