Vietnam named fifth happiest country in the worldViet Nam ranked first in Asia and fifth in the world in the 2016 Happy Planet Index, according to the UK-based New Economics Foundation. The Top 10 most happiest countries included Costa Rica; Mexico; Colombia; Vanuatu; Viet Nam; Panama; Nicaragua; Bangladesh; Thailand; and Ecuador. The index found wealthy western countries, often seen globally as representing success, do not rank highly on the Happy Planet Index. Viet Nam, characterized by its mountains and tropical forests, is one of just three Asian countries in the Top 10 list. The index, constructed for a fourth time since 2006, was based on four elements, including well-being, life expectancy, inequality of outcomes, and ecological footprint.

Source: VietNamNet News July 22, 2016 07:18 UTC