Well, look at the Happy Planet Index, the top choices are not countries that are known for having great development ratings.
1. Costa Rica
2. Vietnam
3. Colombia
4. Belize
5. El Salvador
I have to admit that I don't believe people in Belize or El Salvador are happier than say Mexico or Panamá just to name a few neighbors. It's weird how the first "Industrialized" country is Israel at 15th place, and the next is New Zealand at 28th followed by Norway. Also most of the top 30 are latinamerican countries, so maybe is just a cultural thing to be always happy.
1. Costa Rica 2. Vietnam 3. Colombia 4. Belize 5. El Salvador
I have to admit that I don't believe people in Belize or El Salvador are happier than say Mexico or Panamá just to name a few neighbors. It's weird how the first "Industrialized" country is Israel at 15th place, and the next is New Zealand at 28th followed by Norway. Also most of the top 30 are latinamerican countries, so maybe is just a cultural thing to be always happy.