The Top Ten Happiest Countries in the World

How CAN happiness be measured and who is to say whether a nation as a whole is content? Reoccurring factors such as quality education, healthcare, and general wealth marked the top slots in the survey of the world's happiest countries. The list was compiled by a British scientist from the University of Leicester who extensively examined global statistics to create the ranking. Unhappy about where you live? Maybe it's time to pack your bags after reading the following.

Canada - National identity and natural beauty are factors that make Canadians proud of their homeland. It boasts a GDP per capita of $34,000 as well as a strong and reliable health care system. Crime in Canada is seldom heard of, contributing to the overall happiness of its people.

Brunei - This oil rich Asian nation's well being rests in the government's hands. Free education including at the university level and medical coverage are two of its main perks. The government in Brunei also subsidizes housing and rice. All of this trickles down to an almost there utopia as well as nonexistent poverty.

Bhutan - Though it has a low life expectancy at age 55 and low GDP at $1,400, Bhutan ranks 8^th happiest country in the world thanks to its beautiful landscape and strong national identity. This unspoiled land can thank its government limits on tourism and immigration. Oppressing? Maybe, but little interference and primitiveness equals happiness in Bhutan.

Sweden - Maybe high taxes isn't your idea of happiness, but in Sweden social equality balances it out. Child care is subsidized and in Sweden, the more the government gives, the happier the people are. Its life expectancy is 80 years of age.

Finland - 6 months without sun light could make anyone depressed, but this does not hamper the Fin's happiness. Both extreme wealth and poverty are rare; health care and education is completely free. Its GDP per capita is $30,900 and has a perfect literacy rate at 100%.

Bahamas - If sunshine is more of your thing the Bahamas boasts beautiful weather and a relaxed lifestyle including conch salad and gentle Caribbean breezes. Though its poverty rate at 9.3% is relatively high, living in such a beautiful setting would make anybody forget their troubles. The fusion of European and African cultures and strong sense of family values contributes to the recipe of Bahamian happiness.

Iceland - The Icelandic owe their happiness a great part to their welfare system. Evenly distributed wealth and government subsidies mix to create very little poverty. The population is small and compact at 300,000 people while the life expectancy is 80 years of age.

Austria - Rich culture and breathtaking countryside seem to be a strong indicator of happiness amongst the top countries on this list; Austria is no exception. The general cleanliness and strict environmental regulations actually contribute to the relaxed Austrian lifestyle. People there are expected to live to the age of 79, a product of its top of the line health care system.

Switzerland - With the endless laundry list of outdoor activities to do in Switzerland, anybody could find their niche of happiness. Political neutrality has always been a factor and helped create Switzerland's face of friendliness. It is home to the United Nations and the Red Cross amongst others and it is no coincidence that it has an amazing medical system to match. The Swiss government spends $3, 445 per person for health care. Utopia, anybody?

Denmark - The happiest country in the world is Denmark, ladies and gentlemen. The government offers endless social and public services while simultaneously having one of the best education systems in the world. Its small population of 5.5 million allows the Danish to create a strong web of national identity. Add in the post-card worthy landscapes of Denmark and I wouldn't ever want to leave either.