If you're happy and you know it...

So I read an article about the happiest countries and I was happy to see that most countries are relatively happy. The countries that are happiest generally have high literacy rate, high education levels, low unemployment rates, and plenty of natural resources. But don't think that all those things (and a lot of money) are the only things that matter in when questioning happiness. It turns out that many countries that have a rich culture and lots of national pride ranked happier than others. By the way, United States ranked 17th...meaning I guess, that the land of opportunities still has room for improvement. So here's a rundown of the happiest countries:

10- Norway: filled with natural resources like petroleum, hidropower, fish forests, and minerals. It also has a high literacy rate, education level and per-capita income.

9- Mexico: Although there are still many poor areas, most people are very optimistic. Mexico also has a wonderfully rich culture, natural beauty and scientific import.

8- Ireland: They sure don't let the rainy weather let them down. In 2005, Ireland topped a quality-of-life index compiled by The Economist based on nine criteria that ranged from health to gender equality to political freedom.

7- Luxembourg: Though its a small country its citizens are insanely proud of they're heritage and it doesn't hurt that Luxembourg' economy is high-performing, boasting low inflation and low unemployment.

6- Guatemala: Another point for Central America! Even though it may not be as well off economically they still manage to be happy campers.

5- Canada: No surprise there...Canadia's score was largely due to its citizens' health, wealth and access to education, eh?

4- Sweden: They're government boasts many services such as tax-funded child care, paid parental leave, ceilings on health care costs, tax-funded education up to and including college, retirement pensions and tax-funded dental care for citizens until they turn 20.

3- Australia: Australians were found to be happier than citizens of other nations even though they tended to work long hours and enjoyed less job security.

2- Finland: It is the freest nation in the world when it comes to civil liberties, freedom of the press, low corruption levels and high levels of political rights. Oh and guess what? Traffic ticket fines are based on your ability to pay!

1- Iceland: The country is a favorite stamping ground of artists and cultivates a creative spirit. Indeed, the government supports writers with generous subsidies. So I guess that's where I'll be moving to...