The Sustainable Development Solutions Network publishes its annual World Happiness Report, which highlights the world's happiest countries based on studies of environments, social environments, environmental quality and sustainable development in cities and rural areas around the world.
Each year, Nordic nations top the list, making these folks the happiest in the world.
But what is the secret to happiness exactly? Read on to learn what brings the most joy to citizens from the happiest countries - and how you can replicate it in your own hometown.
Costa Rica's happiness should come as no surprise, with its tropical rainforests and sandy beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. As a popular ex-pat destination for its sustainability practices, Costa Rica is all about living off the land, below your means and "pura vida."
The pura vida philosophy, similar to "no worries," is the way of life for natives and newcomers alike.
Lesson learned: Try living your life without worries, and simply enjoy the gift of every day as they do in Costa Rica. Constant worry can take a toll on your health, with headaches, ulcers, muscle tension and insomnia being just a few of the symptoms.
Many in Costa Rica are fans of yoga and mindful meditation, in which you focus on your breathing and become what the Mayo Clinic describes as "intensively aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment."
Israel's most cosmopolitan city, the Mediterranean Sea-facing Tel Aviv, landed on the World's Happiest cities for the first time - at No. 8 - and is one of two cities in the top 10 that wasn't a Nordic city. Jerusalem also made the cut at No. 33.
The Jewish and Arabic people have called this state home for more than 3,700 years, and as three-quarters of the population follows Judaism and 17 percent Muslim, perhaps faith is what brings happiness to its inhabitants.
Lesson learned: Scientists have studied faith for years, including how it impacts health. People who believe in a higher power, participate in religious ceremonies and experience spirituality have shown time again to have a better health quality of life, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Faith has helped people recover from illness as well as have better coping skills and more happiness in their lives.
The people of the United Kingdom, made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, have had a bit more pep in their step as of late. The united country climbed two places on the World's Happiest Report.
For the U.K., its cities are a real booster, especially for students. One study found students gain life satisfaction in urban settings, much attributed to more opportunities.
Lesson learned: Students are onto something. Not only does higher education lead to jobs that may offer more money and benefits that can attribute to a better quality of life but, as the American Academy of Family Physicians points out, can also contribute to a healthier diet and safer environment.
But you don't need to enroll in a college or university to feel the benefits. Brain-stimulating activities have also been found to ward off dementia.