World Happiness Rankings: DR #2

[mountainannie]

you can download the full report here
Downloads | Learn | Happy Planet Index
Haiti ranks above Switzerland so I think you should print it out and circulate it, Pedro!

[minerva_feliz]

Originally Posted by waytogo

Just read the article. Being that the D.R is rated #2 in happy people, for sure you would think Haiti would at least rank in the top 5. This is such a jolly jolly island. I see happy jubilant people everywhere I go.

I don't know you well enough to tell, but I hope that's sarcasm.

If not, maybe you're onto something. I'll throw out a few of my thoughts:

Maybe people are SO HAPPY here, they just can't stand it. That's surely why MOST people, if given a legal and safe option, would LEAVE the country to live in another. "Youth in the Dominican Republic were most likely to want to move with 82% responding that, with the right means, they would migrate." http://media.gallup.com/WorldPoll/PD...rt06.21.07.pdf For the overall population, I've heard 2/3 but am too lazy to find the stat right now.

Also, what about the 'ignorance is bliss' theory? The educational system here could possibly be so great that it helps people to be happier by not supporting students in realizing their full potential, thus saving them from so much un-needed disappointment later in life.

[pedrochemical]

Originally Posted by mountainannie

you can download the full report here
Downloads | Learn | Happy Planet Index
Haiti ranks above Switzerland so I think you should print it out and circulate it, Pedro!

I have been saying this all along but nobody would listen.

Maybe it is because they have plenty of seaside in Haiti?

[jrhartley]

so whats in the top slot, I couldnt be bothered to look ....I beleive the last time a read one it was Vanuatu

[Chip]

Originally Posted by minerva_feliz

"Youth in the Dominican Republic were most likely to want to move with 82% responding that, with the right means, they would migrate."

This is quite true, however, anybody who lives here and speaks the language would understand this hardly tells the whole story. Fact is Dominicans have a culture that is very wrapped around NY and to them it is the promised land and want to get there at all cost. Does that mean they will be happier in the States? Not necessarily, but the majority won't tell you that as they have more to gain by keeping it to themselves. Nonetheless, if it is such why do so many Dominicans who have the means choose to retire here in the DR or return frequently after they retire?

[amparocorp]

misery loves company

[Chip]

I can say I'm happier here in the DR. Even if my wife left me I don't know if I'd return to the States, especially if I could find some regular golf partners.

Many Dominicans will tell you the reason they are leaving because no hay cualto. But, that being said if they can round some up somehow in nuevayol, they are glad to return back home.

What is not to like? Exceptionally friendly people (excepting customer service of course - what a conudrum that), beautiful weather year round, unhurried lifestyle and things are relatively cheap.

[NALs]

Life Satisfaction Worldwide



Ecological Footprint Worldwide



2nd Place: Dominican Republic


Calculating the HPI





Read the rest of the calculation and report explanation here.

-NALs

[Malibook]

Adrian White, from the University of Leicester’s School of Psychology, analysed previously published data to create a global projection of subjective well-being: the first world map of happiness.

The research is based on the findings of over 100 different studies around the world, which questioned 80,000 people worldwide.

The top 10 "happiest" countries:

1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. The Bahamas
6. Finland
7. Sweden
8. Bhutan
9. Brunei
10. Canada

Denmark ended up at the top to "its wealth, natural beauty, small size, quality education, and good health care". At the bottom were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Burundi.

The U.S. ended up on the 23rd place, the UK on 41, China is 82, Japan 90, and India an unhappy 125.

Here is the map of happiness around the world (the darker red, the merrier):



The original research paper can be found here.

The Road to the Horizon: The happiest countries in the world