the Irish came 3, though while happy the Irish poll 5th in regards to satisfactionSomething is markedly unrotten in the state of Denmark.
Asked to rate both their happiness and long-term life satisfaction, Danish people trounce their European cousins.
"Denmark is very consumer-oriented and very family-oriented. People are sure to leave work at 4.30pm. They work their eight hours and go home. Pressure to work overtime doesn't exist."
Denmark has a 37-hour week. Parents get 52 weeks of maternity/paternity leave to be shared between them - 24 weeks is usually at full pay, with the rest often at as much as 90% pay. Much of it can be spread over the first nine years of the child's life. Childcare is subsidised with no parent being asked to pay more than 25% of the cost.
WHO, WHAT, WHY?
A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
Danish ambassador to London Birger Riis-Jorgensen says he doesn't find it surprising Danes rate themselves as happy.
"In other parts of Europe globalisation is perceived as a threat. For Danes, 78% think globalisation is an opportunity.
"We have high taxes but we have generous unemployment benefits, a lot of life-long learning. We feel secure and we feel that we have opportunities.
"We have a lot of faith in government as an institution. The authorities are normally competent, uncorrupt and approachable."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6563639.stm
Last edited by IG-Calibre (2007-04-17 08:15:49)