When lists of happiest places on earth came out recently, people were surprised at some of the findings – on a number of levels. One surprise is that there were two lists. Depending on which one you choose to follow, either Costa Rica or Denmark earned the coveted #1 spot. Could two places on earth be more different? In Part One we shall take a look at the lists, see where they differ, and in Part Two discover how happiness impacts a healthy life.
Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
The OECD is a group of 30 countries with democratic governments that provides economic and social statistics and data. Their findings for the report were gleaned from a Gallup world poll conducted in 140 countries where the respondents (up to 1,000 people aged 15 and older) answered questions about positive and negative feelings they had very recently. Even factoring in the recent worldwide economic disturbances, on a scale of 1 to 100 the average was 62.4. Though the USA got a score of 74, it did not rank in the top 10.
Wealth was not a determining factor: Denmark is a wealthy country boasting a 2009 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $68,000 per capita while America’s is $47,335. Norway has GDP of 98,822 but it got #9. New Zealand’s happiness level is 76.7 but its GDP is $30,556.
New Economics Foundation (NEF)
“New Economics Foundation is an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being. We aim to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. We work in partnership and put people and the planet first…was founded in 1986 by the leaders of The Other Economic Summit (TOES) which forced issues such as international debt onto the agenda of the G7 and G8 summits…are unique in combining rigorous analysis and policy debate with practical solutions on the ground, often run and designed with the help of local people. We also create new ways of measuring progress toward increased well-being and environmental sustainability…works with all sections of society in the UK and internationally - civil society, government, individuals, businesses and academia - to create more understanding and strategies for change…works through practical pilots and tools for change, in-depth research, campaigning, and policy discussion.”
The second global HPI report includes data from 143 countries which represent 99% of the world’s population, shows data in context with global resources, and environmental impact. Their findings show Latin American countries were ranked in nine of the top 10 with Costa Rica as #1 (in this report, the USA ranks 114). Interestingly, India, China and the USA were greener and happier 20 years ago.
So how do they compare?
North Americans would probably not choose Latin America as a place to find happy people, which illustrates the subjective differences in these two reports. By the standards of developed nations, income, employment and housing are signs of status and success. But does it equate happiness – and is that “happiness” the result of acquisitions or is it a reflection of contentment? Are people living in wealthier nations automatically happy? The OECD report infers that an affluent society with good health care, a high standard of living with a balanced work/life, and good economy will produce happy people. What their report does not take into consideration is the per capita
suicide rate among northern Europeans (
men in particular). It also does not factor in the
synthetic happiness produced by
antidepressants of which the USA leads the world in prescriptions. So how could another study find Costa Rica and other Latin American countries happier than their European counterparts?
Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
Epicurus – Greek philosopher, BC 341-270
Latin American and “third world” countries were ranked among the top in the HPI report due to primarily non-monetary factors. Their criteria were based on ecological footprint and sustainable well-being. Contentment was also a factor. This does not mean that people living in these countries are happy with the way things are and don’t want them to change or improve. What it means is that they are content with their lives as they are and, although they would welcome improvement, are not making themselves miserable about it.
When people live in community (sharing with and caring about each other), there is less emphasis on the inward self. Actions and thoughts are commonly more inclusive and there is an unspoken bond and understanding that when something goes wrong, others will be there to help. After all, they are either in the same situation or probably would be soon. American society especially, is full of people who feel very much alone in the midst of millions.
So many, due to the worldwide economic climate change, have started to reassess their priorities. Personal fortunes have disappeared, jobs were lost, financial wizards have been vilified, and lives have been changed forever. It could be considered amazing then, that there are some people not only in far off lands, but right here in America who have found a way through the despair to not only survive - but thrive. Are you happy?
Part 2 - contentment and getting through challenges - your life could depend on it.
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