Lifestyle Statistics ... Happiness Index

The numerous definitions of happiness out there have been my subject of interest lately. I guess it will always be a question that all of us would ponder on at odd points and junctures in our lives.

It is interesting to note that tabulated figures published by NationMaster show that the Philippines ranks high on the Happiness Level (#5) and Happiness net (#12) by country. The Philippines hobnobs with the most of the affluent nations and is in fact the only country from Southeast Asia. [Australia ranks #5 in Happiness net and #7 in Happiness Level.]

What defines Happiness for the Filipinos? This is a country where 40% of the population is below the poverty line (according to the CIA - The World Fact Book, 2007). A recent post by Salve Duplito provided answers with figures from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) which show that Filipinos " are most happy when our family life is going well, when we are not sick, when spiritual connections are not rusty, when we have good relationships with friends and, in fifth place, when we have income and financial security".

Further reading: Article by Kate V Pedroso.
Image from Money Smarts.