While a new country takes the top spot, the U.S. is dropping in happiest factors.
Norway is the happiest country in the world. The country unseated Denmark in the top spot in the ranking that was calculated on social happiness factors including levels of caring, freedom to make life decisions, generosity, good governance, honesty, health and income.
Other information was also gathered during the survey. Some things they found:
- In wealthier Western countries, mental health was considered a more important determinant in personal happiness than income, employment or physical health.
- Happiness is falling in America, thanks primarily to a drop in four key indicators -- access to social support, a sense of reduced personal freedom, lower donations, and a perceived increase in corruption.
- Unemployment, or the quality of work they have, is a major factor in people’s happiness.
The U.S. doesn’t show up in the top 10. Last year we were 13, but have backslid to 14 this time.
- Norway
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Netherlands
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Sweden
Source: CBS News
And according to personal finance website WalletHub’s 2017 “Happiest Places to Live” ranking, here are the top 10 happiest cities to live in America:
1. Fremont, California
2. San Jose, California
3. Irvine, California
4. San Francisco, California
5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
6. Huntington Beach, California
7. San Diego, California
8. Oakland, California
9. Santa Rosa, California
10. Washington, D.C.
Photo: Getty Images