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Chapter 3 Happiness and Subjective Wellbeing across Nations
approximately 40 per cent of our happiness levels (also called the ‘40 per cent solution’) (Sheldon and Lyubomirsky, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009; Lyubomirsky, 2006, 2008).
Happiest places on Earth
S
o which are the current happiest countries? Denmark, for example, has consistently scored within the highest ranking countries in happiness levels across the globe (8.0).
Rank
Country
1
Costa Rica
2
Denmark
3
Iceland
4
Switzerland
5
Finland
6
Mexico
7
Norway
8
Canada
9
Panama
10
Sweden
TABLE 3.1 Happiest places on Earth (World Database of Happiness,
time out
2010)
The sun If you take a closer look at the table you will notice that the majority of the happiest countries are situated in the northern part of the hemisphere where there is not a lot of sun and there is limited light. This is interesting as research has shown that, when comparisons are made, people who live in colder climates also tend to have a higher suicide rate than those in warmer climates. There are several explanations for this; for example, people in colder climates may be more diligent and open in reporting suicides. Another explanation is what scientists call the ‘sun bonus’. A lack of sunshine can result in lower levels of vitamin D, which is directly related to serotonin in the brain. When people do not see light or sun for long periods of time they can experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or depression from the lack of sunlight. This may explain the correlation with suicide, as well as the findings that people who experience higher levels of sunshine and daylight hours experience a boost of happiness through their proximity to the equator.