Gallup Poll finds that Israelis are Thriving in Happiness

A Ynet news article discusses data obtained through a Gallup "global wellbeing" survey ranking countries on a "happiness index." The survey ranked 124 countries based on the happiness of their residents. Results from the poll only considered 19 countries, out of the 124 surveyed, as "thriving" on the happiness index. Gallup put these rankings into 3 different classifications: thriving, struggling, suffering. "People are considered thriving if they rate their current lives a 7 or higher and their lives in five years an 8 or higher."

Results were obtained through face-to-face and telephone interviews with adults, aged 15 and older. These interviews were conducted in 2010 in 124 countries and the data was analyzed through participants rating their lives, at the current time, as well as expectations for the next 5 years. In 67 countries, less than 25% of people were thriving and was lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. No country in the region had a thriving percentage higher than 19%.
 
 The poll was conducted to show world leaders that factors like happiness and satisfaction are also important indicators of residents' well-being. This proves to leaders that they cannot rely on GDP alone as an indication of how the citizens are doing. It is important to monitor behavioral economic measures to better the lives of all residents.

Israel was ranked 7th, showing that 63%, or nearly 2 out of 3, Israelis are "satisfied with their lives." Israel was the highest score on the happines index in the Middle East. Israel surpassed the United States, Britain, Holland, Ireland and Brazil. The remainder of the Israeli population was found to be 34% struggling and only 3% suffering.