On average, 77% of respondents from 20 developed countries* declared themselves to be ‘happy' and the rate rose in the world's three happiest countries, Sweden (88%), Canada (86%) and Australia (85%).Happiness levels were lower overall in Europe and the Spanish were the unhappiest of all - only 59% reported themselves to be happy.In contrast to their current levels of happiness and their feelings of optimism for family and community, only 22% of people said they were optimistic about prospects for the world as a whole, a proportion that fell to 20% in the US, 15% in the UK and 6% in France.
A simpler life
Many respondents reported they felt the world was changing too fast and over half of them wanted to slow down the pace of their lives. 64% said that people ‘led happier lives in the old days'. Many complained about the intensity of their digital lives - 78% of Chinese and 71% of UK respondents agreed "I am constantly looking at screens these days".However, 61% of the respondents felt that technology was part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Another route to happiness - be Danish?
Does Danish DNA hold the secret to happiness? Researchers have been exploring the link between gene mutation and happiness - and are calling for further research.* Ipsos Mori questioned people in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK, US