"According to the Report, Finland is the world's happiest country for the eighth successive year, with experts citing access to nature and a strong welfare system as factors. Three other Nordic countries scored in this year's top 10 “happiest countries,”, while Latin America's Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time. Both the UK and the US slipped down the list to 23rd and 24th respectively - the lowest-ever position for the latter."

Yeah these reports are great. 60 minutes did a report on this many years, YouTube: Denmark: "The Pursuit of Happiness" | 60 Minutes Archive (60 Minutes). One of the biggest take aways from the Scandinavian countries was not only the safety net but expectations. What was expected to achieve happiness in Scandinavia was much more practical and attainable than, say, the United States. Spending time with family, having enough time and money to spend said time with family and of course the security of a strong social system all led to happiness for Scandinavians. In the US the constant need for more, the desire to keep up with fellow citizens and fear of not keeping up all ranked it lower on the list.

It's really a great lesson. What do you really need in life? We all enjoy material things but regardless of how much money you have ultimately not only does trading up make you poorer it puts you on a treadmill of unhappiness. Of course there's a happy medium between enjoying the simple things in life and splurging on our guilty pleasures but it's probably best to err on the side of developing rich relationships than it is developing rich habits:-)