The Happiest Places on Earth

Recently, BlueZones has been researching a topic that means a lot to all of us: happiness. While health has been the subject of scientific analysis for many years, the measurement and study of happiness is relatively new. Recently, Dan travelled to Singapore and Denmark to find out what those cultures can teach us about happiness.

The results of his investigations appear on this week's edition of 20/20, about you can get a preview of the full episode at ABCnews.com.

What makes Singaporeans and Danes so happy?

Our research in these two unique contries was prompted by some interesting facts and questions:

1. Of all of the countries surveyed by Gallop and the World Values Survey, Singaporeans report the highest level of satisfaction. 95% of them reply they are quite happy or very happy in national surveys.
2. Singapore is known for having extremely strict social contraints; how does personal freedom relate to reported levels of happiness?
3. Does Denmark's emphasis on smoothing out social inequality contribute to its citizens' happiness?
4. Denmark's geographical and physical layout seems to impact happiness. Pedestrian and bicycle friendly towns, as well as lots of green, public space is a priority.
5. 19 out of 20 Danes belong to clubs, and 40% of people volunteer their time. What impact does social integration and activity have on happiness?

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written by Mephisto666, May 10, 2008

I disagree with the research result in Singapore. For years ive had interactions with Singaporeans and i can tell you most Singaporeans look depressed in public. Infact Singaporeans are actually labelled "Kiasu" which means selfish. Based on what i see most Singaporeans are not friendly to each other. They do not smile to strangers but instead they give you a piece of their mind whenever you get in their way. Im now working in customer service and i handle customers including from Australia and Singapore. Almost all Singaporeans who call sound sad and pissed sometimes for no reason but almost all Australians customers seem to have their emotions in control and are very much composed. Infact almost half of Australian customers seem happy even they have problems. I strongly disagree with the research result.

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written by elsbeth, April 24, 2008

My great grandfather immigrated from Denmark in the late 19th c. He is remembered for telling jokes, knowing how to do lots of parlor tricks, being physically spry (could do cartwheels), but mostly just had this playful wonderful sense of humor. Is that a national trait?

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MIddle School_Wake County Public School System,_NC
written by Jay Boriotti, April 23, 2008

I really enjoy using your Happiness study in my 7th grade enrichment class. The one thing I can find is a copy of the completed rankings of all 172 countries. Can you send me a copy of it or a link in which I can find it to share with my students.

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