Interpreting the Happy Planet Index - What is your opinion about the happiness of Americans compared to people in other countries like Brazil, France, UK, Germany, India or China?

The Happy Planet Index (HPI) is an index of human well-being and environmental impact, introduced by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), in July 2006. The index is designed to challenge well-established indices of countries’ development, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development Index (HDI), which are seen as not taking sustainability into account. In particular, GDP is seen as inappropriate, as the ultimate aim of most people is not to be rich, but to be happy and healthy. Use the link to see the Happy World Map:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Planet_Index

You’ll be surprised. Colombian for example seem very happy and I don’t think this has anything to do with drugs. Same for Tunisia and Indonesia.

Are you happy? Do you think people in other countries are less happy? Has it to do with eduction or money or freedom?