Those Smiley Danes

The top 10 happiest countries based on the new survey are:
1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Bahamas
6. Finland
7. Sweden
8. Bhutan
9. Brunei
10. Canada

Selected others include: 15. Netherlands 17. Malaysia 19. Norway 22. UAE 23. United States 26. Australia 31. Saudi Arabia 38. Kuwait 45. Qatar 46. Spain 62. France 63. Hong Kong 64. Indonesia 76. Thailand 78. Philippines 82. China 90. Japan 109. South Africa 125. India 166. Pakistan 167. Russia

Northern Europe is the place to be, that is if you are looking for happiness. And listed is dear Canada at #10! Yeah. Though one might ask, "what's up with advanced nation, Japan?"

I have noticed things here like: heavy societal obligations, formalities, less emotional expression, disinclination to joke, harboring feelings deep inside, perfectionism, unacceptance of losing one's temper, taking things very seriously, high pride/face, considering others' feelings before considering their own...perhaps some of these weigh down on one's happiness?

My thought for the day: "People who are happy are so because they know what it takes to make them happy and they keep doing things that keep them upbeat!"