World's happiest place Denmark, followed by Iceland, Colombia slips to third place....

Piatt says on Jul 2, 2008, 04:30:

They need to lower the drinking age from 21! then the USA would rise on that list...jaja

Honestly, I may not be an expert on happiness but if every American had the opportunity to visit say a central or south american country...USA would be much higher than 16 on that list. In honesty, I appreciate my home country much more because there is so much opportunity for Americans to live decently...hell I wouldn't be taking a summer vacation here now in Colombia if I wasn't able to afford it

gordo

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Philly says on Jul 2, 2008, 05:51:

No disrespect, Colombians are happy because they do not know how the rest of the World lives. They have no idea how unorganized and unprofessional Colombia is. Hey, they need to get permission to visit other countries just for vacations, and most of them are turned down. I am sorry, I am living here in Colombia, but I truely love my Country more (United States). I can not see how Colombians can be soooooooooooooo happy when most of the people don´t have a pot to piss in.

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morphus says on Jul 2, 2008, 05:55:

Alcohol helps.

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:04:

"They have no idea how unorganized and unprofessional Colombia is"

uhh, maybe this has something to do with how happy Colombians are.

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ingles says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:17:

"I can not see how Colombians can be soooooooooooooo happy when most of the people don´t have a pot to piss in."

Well maybe it just goes to prove that money can't buy happiness.

From similar survey results that have been published in the past I think key elements that contribute to the findings are family bonds, public holidays etc rather than needing material wealth.

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Philly says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:22:

billyb, would they be really sooooooooooooo happy if they realized how other countries are run? Example, they have no idea in other countries predestrians have the right of way. I am stretching now, put simple things like that they have no idea.
I agree with the alcohol helps

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:30:

Yeah philly, I hear North Korea is very organized and that they're quite happy about it there;))

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Philly says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:31:

Its not about the money, the country is ran poorly. Its my opinion. They have to have strong family ties just to survive. They hang until their culture because they do not have anything else. I am sure if kids were allowed to buy alcohol and cigarettes for their parents or for themselves in other countries, Colombia will fall a few places.

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jorgegdiaz says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:32:

why don´t you look from the point of view philly?

What do you think a COL who´s never been abroad will say when one can´t cook a sanchocho next to a river bed, or why people don´t play music/ fireworks/a staigh holyday month at christmas, or so many 3-days weekend? (just to name a few). what do yiou think that person is going to say?

"To err is human - and to blame it on a computer is even more so."Robert Orben

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miamimike says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:34:

If you are familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the how/why these countries were picked and in what place they are aligned, make perfect sense. And these needs are universal,,,The countries where these needs are met first simply have happier people.Not necessarily fair as one doesn't have control where he/she was born,,,


The basis of Maslow's theory is that human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs, and that certain lower needs need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied. Per the teaching's of Abraham Maslow, there are general needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) which have to be fulfilled before a person is able to act unselfishly. These needs were dubbed "deficiency needs." While a person is motivated to fulfill these basal desires, they continue to move toward growth, and eventually self-actualization. The satisfactions of needs is quite healthy. while preventing their gratification makes us ill or act evilly.

As a result, for adequate workplace motivation, it is important that leadship understands which needs are active for individual employee motivation. In this regard, Abraham Maslow's model indicates that *****basic, low-level needs such as physiological requirements and safety must be satisfied before higher-level needs such as self-fulfillment are pursued.******* As depicted in this hierarchical diagram, sometimes called 'Maslow's Needs Pyramid' or 'Maslow's Needs Triangle', when a need is satisfied it no longer motivates and the next higher need takes its place.

Self-Actualization
Esteem Needs
Social Needs
Safety Needs
Physiological Needs




http://www.abraham-maslow.com/m_motivation/Hierarchy_of_Needs.asp

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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billyb says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:37:

It all depends on what makes you happy. In Colombia it tends to be social things like family, friends, music, a soccer game and a little guaro. Some people might think sitting alone in an apartment watching their 60' plasma tv, but with no social interaction except when paying the bridge toll while driving a mercedes is what happiness is all about.

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gringoloid says on Jul 2, 2008, 06:52:

there is a lot more going on here...........why are americans so unhappy? Mulitculturalism?

Feminism, where women are being turned into men and taught to deny their biological needs?

The feminization of american men? In Colombia, men are still men where their main job is to lead and provide for a family.

Is this the answer i've been seeking to the question, "Why are colombianas happier than gringas?"

I think so.

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Elsueco says on Jul 2, 2008, 07:53:

HAHA DENMARK?! well they smoke the most weed in Europe and they can buy alcohol at the age of 16 but its not so different from us suecos :P and we are on 7th place!

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durito says on Jul 2, 2008, 08:26:

¨but if every American had the opportunity to visit say a central or south american country...USA would be much higher than 16 on that list.¨

they all have that opportunity, most just chose not to take advantage of it. thus, the 25% or whatever low rate of estadounidenses that have passports

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TobyBoy says on Jul 2, 2008, 08:37:

No disrespect, Colombians are happy because they do not know how the rest of the World lives. They have no idea how unorganized and unprofessional Colombia is. Hey, they need to get permission to visit other countries just for vacations, and most of them are turned down. I am sorry, I am living here in Colombia, but I truely love my Country more (United States). I can not see how Colombians can be soooooooooooooo happy when most of the people don´t have a pot to piss in.

To Comment aboove:

Philly, I am an American who has traveled all around the world and I cannot wait to permanently live in Colombia. I can write books (and I have already written press articles) about the problems of the world. If anything, Colombians do not know how good they have it. Do you know or do you care about how many Americans do not have a pot to piss in? … or how nay are dying because we don’t have decent healthcare? Meanwhile the World Health Organization ranked Colombia No1 in the Americas for its healthcare. Heck, even the tomatoes are killing people here now. Have you seen lately how obese, loud and rude our fellow Americans have become? Heck, I am leaving the US because of ignorant and arrogant people like your. I won’t even bother to continue to address your ignorant comments here.

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Philly says on Jul 2, 2008, 09:04:

After you have lived here for a few years like me, then you can make a comment. All of my comments are the truth about Colombia.(my expericences) Please, do not get me started on the health care here. Rankings do not always tell the truth. IF YOU CAN NOT STAND THE HEAT, GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 2, 2008, 09:20:

I'm not surprised about Denmark topping the list. Sweden and Denmark have pretty much same type of society and lifestyles, but the Danes are more laid back, less controlling, less self-righteous than the Swedes.

If I read the article right it's not a question about having a pot to piss in but how you feel about not having one. It's about your subjective perception of your own happiness and satisfaction on the present conditions of your life.

Meaning that a Cali gal tripping down the 23 St. West on her killer heels is not worried about the cracks and holes on the sidewalk that might be the death of her if she'd stumble and break her neck. Instead, she's happy and euphoric because she's going to the Intercontinental in a borrowed dress to meet a bunch of old gringoes who can't find a gf in their own country.

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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TobyBoy says on Jul 2, 2008, 09:24:

I have already lived in Colombia for many years, and I cannot wait to get back. Though I am white, I am sick of the racism in the US, the censorship and minipulation of the media, and I have personally have had friends die in hospitals here (in the US)waiting to see a doctor. ...and my friends had healthcare coverage. I can stand any heat you and mroe educated fellows can dish-out, but I have no time for pedantic, vulgar exchanges, so see ya!

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Lisa Zee says on Jul 2, 2008, 09:50:

Colombians.... we are POOR BUT HAPPY!!!

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sanandressi says on Jul 2, 2008, 11:16:

There sure are a lot of Colombians lined up at the US Embassy every hour everyday looking for a VISA to get out. I believe in the last 15 years or so some 4 million Colombians have gone to the USA, Ecuador, Canada, Aruba, Costa Rica and ESPANA. 400,000 illegal Colombians in Ecuador according to a report I saw on tv. Somebody ain't to happy in Colombia or they would not leave? 4 million is about  of Colombia's population.

These kind of stats above about happiest country are silly.

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morphus says on Jul 2, 2008, 11:34:

At least 50% of Colombians would leave Colombia if they could.

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TobyBoy says on Jul 2, 2008, 11:47:

-Yea, and do you know how many Colombians are returning?

Do you know that if Colombians knew how awful life is outside of Colombia, most would NOT leave?

But more importantly, do you know how many Americnas are now wanting to leave the US? -The quiet Ameican exodus is even worst now than when Bush won the second election! Americans are going hungry more than ever, but the media is so censored here (in the USA) that we are like sheep to slaughter!

Crime doesn't even egt reported in the US. There was a child kidnaped recently in Colorado, and it don''t not even make to the front page of the local papers!

How many Colombians know that the Police in New York have even sodomized immigrants?

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TobyBoy says on Jul 2, 2008, 16:39:

1984, if you do not read the press, like the news when a Hatian immigrant was so violently abused ny NYC cops, a story that was actually broadcast all around the world, then why should I continue here. I am a White American, and I have seen first hand the abuses by many of us Americnas upon immigrants, blacks and Native Americans first hand.
Do you know how many human beings have been killed by the Minutemen on the US border?
You are obviously set in your prejuditial ways, so I will NO longer respond to any of this.

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Chriscan says on Jul 2, 2008, 18:58:

I think american happiness has dropped a lot since 911.

I also think that the quest for money makes people unhappy.

But I don't know. There are different types of happiness too. It's not such a simple word. It's easy to feel happy in a moment but if you relflect on your life and look at where you are and maybe where you could be, that is a different thing.

************* WARNING ************* my words often come from my ass

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eywed says on Jul 2, 2008, 19:06:

Not tonight, I think Colombia is on top tonight.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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mimimimimi says on Jul 3, 2008, 01:11:

We colombians are more practical, talk a lot to each other! and are not bound by complex social rules ...that is kinda happiness to me to be able to do whatever you want, we dont have much rules forced upon us , in here in norway rules are everywhere ,insane and stupid ,like not been able to buy yourself a beer at 8 pm or having only 100 mt of supermarket on holidays dont know why... but since i dont drink ,dont smoke and have a healthy life that fits perfectly here....

been living in 3 different countries now and found colombians to be the most simple,practical and happy ... and yes average colombian who has not greed for money or getting rich and who has the basic stuff! plus a lovely stable family can leave in complete happiness; not to mention a good weather all year round! ...

Now what fucks up other countries is the competition ,to be beautiful,to be succesful and all that when you have to compete and you not always can beat the others then you start feeling miserable.

about iceland I dont have a clue why are they so happy in an island that has no fucken trees ,full of volcanoes, isolated and with nothing to do ! maybe they are just happy coz norway keeps borrowing them money! ahahahha,no need to worry if norway always supports their debts i guess..
and yes norwegians are too weird to be happy ,to be outgoing and happy seems kinda crazy here,everyone is afraid to make a fool out of theselves so they restrict those feelings a lot, not to mention they complain a lot even if everything is perfect compare to other places, I dont complain here but is because i know how things work in other places! . I must accept people that complains here is the ones that live on welfare ,getting the minimum spending all day long doing nothing ,sitting in a chair eating and have no possibilities of going out of norway adn see how bad things are in other places...---

colombians dont complain anymore they thank god is not getting worst hahaha! besides you can definitely make a life without not so much money just see the video of the colombian guy supporting a entire family of 15 kids with just 200 usd, I guess im happy uphere because I have an incredible capacity of adapt to new places! even in the most weird circumstances like living in russia sharing place with chinese girls! ahahha


RUBITO:;Denmark sounds like a cool place. If you are on welfare there they pay for 2 visits per year to the brothels. Now that's my kind of country :)

No way living on welfare is good and you live so happy ..
welfare people is the most poor around ,and the welfare programs are design to cover the basic needs but no way to spoil you ,they want people out of welfare as soon as possible so they restrict the money a lot! they cannot even buy what they want because is so goddamn expensive everything! not to mention once you go back to work after welfare you get far behind coz technology advances and you need to learn again many things in order to keep up...
I hate welfare i do have to work and pay my taxes and I dont support people who is too lazy to work nd gets my taxes! (average tax here is 25 % to 30%) buuut i just pay 10% for some weird reason guess is because i just work 1,5 hours per day! hihi well that because i study...

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mimimimimi says on Jul 3, 2008, 03:29:

yeah norway is certainly not for everyone, as for myself im very organized ,like everything well planned and in order and if something seems confusing I just avoid it so is perfect to be in an environment like this since i really need those rules I think makes life much more easy. I love details and taking care of the smallest detail and plan ahead ! so an economical stability and a guaranteed job with the right laboral laws sounds , free education and all the help to develop and progress contributing with the society development at the same time sounds far more better to me than being actually able to drink and party as much as i want ( since i hate partying in the first place haha, I feel awkward ), all framed in a tiroteo or a bomb!

many Norwegians move away coz of the restrictions and failure to adapt the social/democrat near communist system , I just laught when a crazy rule comes and follow , Im fine with it, in colombia when you become a victim of that disorder then problems start because chaos got pretty nasty sides! also good ones but yes I found the place i want to be due to my way of being...

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CatGirl says on Jul 3, 2008, 22:11:

Desi "the Danes are more laid back, less controlling, less self-righteous than the Swedes"

This is good to hear since I am mostly Dannish, jeje...hey!

Hmm Maybe I should go to Denmark...hmmm ;))

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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CatGirl says on Jul 3, 2008, 22:22:

One second thought

Rubito "I think Icelanders are happy because they are always having sex"

jeje - Maybe Iceland! Go!!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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mimimimimi says on Jul 3, 2008, 22:35:

Rubito somehow got it right, watch this video news about this two black supposed burglars were shot in the back...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7486852.stm

hey gringos if you hate someone is enough with put him in your garden and shot him there , I mean you could get away with it as long is in your property right? haha genious...

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goin_south says on Jul 4, 2008, 00:38:

WHO really gives a fok about the happiest places?

Disneyland is pretty fokin happy place. where did it place???

Some say: All things are better in...Medellin! ....Oscar Lopez just says it's better.....LATE!!! (WHERE EVER YOU ARE)

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:25:

Tobybobo: says on Jul 2, 2008, 16:39

"1984, if you do not read the press, like the news when a Hatian immigrant was so violently abused ny NYC cops, a story that was actually broadcast all around the world, then why should I continue here. I am a White American, and I have seen first hand the abuses by many of us Americnas upon immigrants, blacks and Native Americans first hand.
Do you know how many human beings have been killed by the Minutemen on the US border?
You are obviously set in your prejuditial ways, so I will NO longer respond to any of this."

This happens when you break the laws of the USA, if you abide with them, there would be no
problems...law breakers get what they deserve
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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goin_south says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:11:

denmark is happiest; everyone smokin dope.... or, something.

Some say: All things are better in...Medellin! ....Oscar Lopez just says it's better.....LATE!!! (WHERE EVER YOU ARE)

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:33:

You brake the laws of the land...you pay
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:40:

be nice

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:43:

He has threaten me Desi, I will not stand for that
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:47:

I've deleted his comments, huskie.

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 4, 2008, 10:18:

Now that you have made your point (I agree with the message, but not the language or the manner of it being conveyed) I will lock this thread.

Yes, huskie, but there is NO JUSTIFICATION for some sort of things.

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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