UN Ranks Canada 6th Happiest Country For 2016
In March 2016, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network released its annual report on the happiest countries in the world and ranked Canada as the 6th happiest place on the planet for 2016.
The UN researchers surveyed 3,000 people in 157 countries and asked them to rate their level of happiness on a scale ranging from zero to ten, with 10 being the highest level of happiness and zero considered the lowest happiness score.
Certain "happiness factors” were also assessed, including life expectancy, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), freedom to make life choices, social support, freedom from corruption, and generosity.
Canada came in sixth place in the UN global happiness survey with an overall score of 7.404 out of 10.
By comparison, #1 Denmark received the highest happiness score of 7.526, followed by #2 Switzerland (score = 7.509), #3 Iceland (score = 7.501), #4 Norway (score = 7.498) and #5 Finland (score = 7.413). Included with Canada in the world's top 10 happiest countries were #7 Netherlands (score = 7.339), #8 New Zealand (score = 7.334), #9 Australia (score = 7.313) and #10 Sweden (score = 7.291).
According to researchers, sense of well-being (i.e., happiness) is associated with worry and, therefore, the happiest people tend to be those who worry the least (or have the least to worry about). Consequently, Canadians are among the happiest people on Earth because they enjoy one of the highest standards of living on Earth and, in general, don’t have to worry about many of the things that preoccupy the thoughts of much of the world’s population.
For example, people who live in Canada can generally expect to live long lives of good health in the world’s 7th safest country where basic healthcare is free. Canadians are also the 6th wealthiest people in the world, plus they live in the #1 country for personal freedom, the #9 least corrupt country on Earth, and are the 3rd most generous people on the planet. These are the same happiness factors that the UN researchers and others have linked with a sense of well-being.
Therefore, if you are seeking happiness in life, you should consider moving to Canada. To learn more about your Canadian immigration options, click here!
