WE'RE NUMBER 1? - NOT SO MUCH, REALLY

The wingnuts go on and on about how America is the best country in the world and often imply that there's really no need for much change. On an individual level, I think this might come from an over-identification with America. The bitter wingnuts try to feel better about themselves by strongly identifying with the "greatest nation on Earth."

This makes any critcism perceived as not only an attack on America but on them.

It's turns out that on a wide range of measures, including health care, we aren't number 1. In a broad measure - happiness - we are 16th.

Denmark 'world's happiest nation'
Page last updated at 11:25 GMT, Thursday, 3 July 2008 12:25 UK
BBC

Denmark is the happiest country in the world, according to the latest World Values Survey published by the United States National Science Foundation.

The annual study surveyed people in 97 countries to discover who is happiest.

The survey asked people two simple questions about their happiness and their level of satisfaction with life.

Puerto Rico and Colombia completed the top three happiest nations.

The study was directed by University of Michigan professor Ronald Inglehart. He says that unlike other studies, which have focused on economic factors, his research has found that financial prosperity is not the only reason for happiness.

"Our research indicates prosperity is linked with happiness. It does contribute," he says, "but it is not the most important factor.

"Personal freedom is even more important, and it's freedom in all kinds of ways. Political freedom, like with democracy and freedom of choice."

Dr Inglehart says that gender equality is also an indicator of happiness, as is rising social tolerance. He says that both of these things have risen dramatically in recent years.

The world's wealthiest nation, the United States, was found to be the world's 16th happiest country, behind Switzerland, Canada and Sweden.