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%.