Happiness is a choice. But let’s face it – as with any choice, there are several factors involved in happiness. Among those factors? The country you live in.

Since 2012, the World Happiness Report has been delivering yearly statistics on the distribution of happiness throughout the world with help from UN data and experts in economics, psychology and healthcare.

You might be surprised to find out which countries made this year’s list – and which ones didn’t. Ready to dive in? Check out the flip cards below!

Wait… Where’s America?

Sorry folks. America comes in at number 13. Can we really be all that surprised though?

I like the way Professor Jeffrey Sachs, head of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, puts it:

“There is a very strong message for my country, the United States, which is very rich, has gotten a lot richer over the last 50 years, but has gotten no happier.

For a society that chases money, we are chasing the wrong things. Our social fabric is deteriorating, social trust is deteriorating, faith in government is deteriorating.”

We’ve got some work to do, haven’t we?

Which country (present or absent) on the list surprised you most? Which would you like to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Sources:
SMH.com.au
World Happiness Report
Huffington Post