According to the World Happiness Index , even though it's cold most of the time, Canada is the 7th happiest country in the world. Countries that rank in the top 10 are said to have high values for all six of the key variables that support one's well-being: Income, healthy life, life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity.
The index is a survey put forth by the UN to determine the happiest people among 150 countries. On a scale of 0 to 10, Canadians were found to be quite happy with an average score of 7.5.
The top 10 countries almost all have colder climates. Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Austria, and Iceland aren’t necessarily admired for their vacation weather; however, they are known for their inclusive policies and welcoming borders.
The annual report has indicated that the world happiness index is also closely tied to how immigrants in these countries feel. Countries with the most satisfied newcomers aren’t known for their wealth or surplus of resources, but instead, offer a balanced lifestyle, diverse communities, and relatively easy access to social services.
Unsurprisingly, Canada has ranked as the #1 country in the world for quality of life for three consecutive years. The Quality of Life index is measured by many of the same qualities that factor into a country's overall level of happiness.
It seems that happiness, however simple a concept it may seem, is defined by everything around us. Researchers have found that, amid all the 'good' that makes Canadians part of the world's happiest people, the driving force for happiness in Canada is a general sense of purpose.
Perhaps the real reason Canadians rank among the happiest people is because happiness lies just outside our front doors. Happiness is the stranger who shovels your driveway as much as it's the quick weekend road trip to a nearby coast. Where Canada is, so too is a sense of joy, belonging, and purpose, in one small way or another.
