© Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK
Syndication: The Patriot Ledger
(New York, NY) — The U.S. is no longer in the top 20 happiest countries in the world. It’s the first time that’s happened since rankings were started by Gallup back in 2012. Americans are now 23rd on the list. Just last year, the United States came in at number 15. Happiness among Americans has fallen among all age groups, but particularly those under age 30, thanks in part to unaffordable housing and a growing sense of loneliness. Nordic countries top the list, with Finland at number one. Denmark and Iceland took second and third on the list. The happiness list winner for people over 60 was Denmark. The U.S. did better on the seniors list, placing 10th.
This annual Gallup report, that includes more than 100 countries ranks happiness based on a number of factors, including freedom, health, and the generosity of people.