The Happiest People in the World

Australians are the happiest people in the world according to a survey carried out by researchers who are called GFK NOP. The marketers conducted door-to-door surveys and interviewed 30,000 people in 30 countries. They asked interviewees if they were satisfied with their life in general or not. 46 percent of Australians replied to be “very happy” and expressed optimism about their future. USA citizens were following them with 40 percent, Egypt 36 percent, India 34 percent and the UK and Canada 32 percent in the “happy” stakes. Hungary got the wooden spoon, finishing at the bottom of the happiness chart. Thirty-five percent of its citizens said they were either “disappointed” or “very unhappy”, followed by Russians at 30 percent.

The research showed that money and age were key factors in how happy people are. Although the study could not prove money could buy happiness, it showed a link between a lack of money and unhappiness. According to the results of the survey, the people who were unemployed or among lower income groups were less happy. Moreover, these people believe that they can be happier if they can make a little more money. The study also suggests that as we become older, we also become less happy in our lives. Globally, teenagers are the happiest people because they make an effort to live in a more healthy way by doing exercises and helping others who need help. On the other hand, the age group with the lowest levels of happiness was 50-59 years old. Only 16 percent of those in their fifties said they were very happy. The things that make us happy include good health, financial security and a happy marriage. Material comforts such as cars, clothes and gadgets ranked comparatively low.

Ralph Waldo Emerson who is a famous American poet says, “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” That might seem like an unrealistic idea in our modern world where people are not like friends but more like enemies with each other. However, we should keep in mind that, if a person is happy enough to make others happy, the feeling of happiness starts rolling like a small snowball and becomes like a giant ball. You should look around to find ways that will make you happy.

Taken and adapted from: www.breakingnewsenglish.com