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(Image source: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development)
BY NICHOLE CARTMELL
You might find a few more smiles down under
compared to other places across the world.
Home to beautiful beaches, magnificent coral reefs and extensive deserts, Australia has
been ranked as the world's happiest nation among developed economies for the third year
in a row. (Via YouTube / pleasetakemeto)
This is according to the Better Life Index report, released this week by the Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study analyzed 36 countries on
criteria like income levels, health, safety and housing.
When it comes to these measures of well-being, Australia takes the cake. 84 percent of Australians
say they have more positive experiences in an average day than negative ones. And it
seems like money might have something to do with it.
More than 73% of Australia's 23 million people aged 15 to 64 have a paid job, seven percent
above the OECD average. And the average amount of spending money for each household is nearly
$29,000 a year. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Anthony Winning)
The BBC points out Australia's economy has stayed relatively strong despite the recent
financial crisis worldwide. It was the only major developed nation to avoid the global
recession in 2009. And Australia has seen a greater demand of its natural resources
over the past two decades, also boosting its economy.
But the notion of happiness appears to be debatable. The data from the Better Life Index
report conflicts with others of its kind.
The Happy Planet Index report ranks Costa Rica as the happiest nation in the world based
on its ecological footprint, life expectancy and experience well-being.
The U.N. also released a "happy" list of its own last year. According to Gallup polls taken
from 2005-2011, Denmark reigned supreme. (Via TIME)
OECD put Sweden, Canada, Norway and Switzerland in the top five, along with Australia. The
U.S. came in as number six.