Do remember that there is more than one happiness scale in the world. We’re looking at one created by MoveHub.com. a resource for people wanting to live abroad. MoveHub examined 151 countries around the world, visualizing their Happy Planet index scores. HPI measures global data on life-expectancy, experienced well-being and ecological footprint.

Note, for example, that being wired is not among the criteria. As much as the three criteria are vitally important to me, so is a country’s digital-world infrastructure. A country’s economic productivity data is not included — based on an assumption that happiness and wealth are not connected. Government-sponsored support systems for health care are inherently included in longevity rates, but they should be investigated before moving to another country. Are you on your own as an expat? Or can you enter with ease an existing support system? What is the status of women in these countries?

Back to the Happy Planet Index, presented in these global graphs. You are evaluating three components: life expectancy, experience well-being, and ecological Footprint. Those results are then compiled into one score. ~ Anne