Top 15 happiest nations: Who's #1?
There's no end to the debate over which country has the prettiest scenery, the liveliest cities, the strongest economy, mightiest military - or even which makes the best cars. But as for which country has the happiest citizens, the debate is over. At least it is if you believe a new report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The nonprofit organization surveyed the citizens of 34 countries, asking their views on their government, community, environment, income, and what everyone wants to know - their satisfaction with life. Keep clicking to learn which countries came out on top in the 2011 results...
15. United Kingdom
Didn't a famous Englishman once say he couldn't get no satisfaction? Maybe things are better now. For one thing, Brits enjoy a strong sense of community - 95 percent feel they can rely on someone else in a time of need. The UK just makes it onto the top 15 list.
Satisfaction score: 7.4
14. Luxembourg
Money isn't everything. But maybe it helps. Household income in luxurious Luxembourg tops $44,000, and its residents were 14th-highest on the list.
Satisfaction score: 7.7
12. New Zealand (TIE)
Kiwis live in a land with little air pollution, and they feel a strong bond with one another - and with their local governments.
Satisfaction score: 8.0
12. United States (TIE)
Americans enjoy relatively high incomes,and despite the political chatter, we acknowledge that we're pretty satisfied with the government and educational system.
Satisfaction score: 8.0
10. Austria (TIE)
Seventy-three percent of Austrians are satisfied with their lives despite high levels of air pollution and schools that are less than stellar. Maybe the lower-than-average crime rate explains why Austrians feel so good.
Satisfaction score: 8.3
10. (TIE)
Slainte! The Irish enjoy their strong social connections, and even though many complain about having trouble finding work, they remain upbeat. Ireland ties for 10th with Austria.
Satisfaction score: 8.3
8. Finland (TIE)
Life seems to be pretty fantastic for Finns, who say they enjoy a good social-work balance and the world's best schools.
Satisfaction score: 8.7
8. Israel (TIE)
Israelis tend to be mistrustful of their government, but a longer-than-average life expectancy and decent household incomes give them reason to smile.
Satisfaction score: 8.7
4. Australia (TIE)
In the land down under, citizens smile - and no wonder. Australia ranks #1 in satisfaction with the government, and #2 for the quality of health and housing.
4. Netherlands (TIE)
Though Dutch people complain about air pollution, they have little trouble finding work or balancing their jobs with their personal lives. The Netherlands ties for fourth place, with more than 90 percent of its citizens saying life is good.
Satisfaction score: 9.0
4. Sweden (TIE)
Great air and strong civic engagement - Swedes vote in high numbers - help put Sweden in fourth place on the list of world's happiest countries.
Satisfaction score: 9.0
4. Switzerland (TIE)
The Swiss rank #1 in health, enjoying an average life expectancy almost three years above the norm. And then there's all that good skiing.
Satisfaction score: 9.0
3. Norway
Why are Norwegians so happy? One reason might be the country's strong economy - nearly 75 percent of Norwegians age 15-64 have a paid job. Add that to their overall good health, and it's no surprise Norway came in third on the list of happiest nations.
Satisfaction score: 9.3
2. Canada
Don't "Blame Canada" for ranking #2 in life satisfaction: It's hard not to be happy when you rank #1 in housing quality, and #3 in education, health, and personal safety.
Satisfaction scorel: 9.6
1. Denmark
A walk through gorgeous Copenhagen would make most tourists smile. The locals must agree, since more than 90 percent say they're satisfied with life. Talk about delicious Danish!
Satisfaction score: 10.0