If you’re happy and you know it, rule more lands!

Ami Kaufman By Ami Kaufman April 7, 2012 | Edit

The first UN World Happiness Report just came out. How did Israel and Palestine fair?

If you’re happy and you know it, rule more lands!
If you’re happy and you know it, rule more lands!
If you’re happy and you know it,
then a UN poll will show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, rule more lands!

The UN published a report last week, called the ‘World Happiness Report”. Scandinavians came in first (boring…).

But how did the two main protagonists in our little theater fair?

Israel (fabulous in the role of “Occupier”) came in at a surprising 14th place. For a country of professional complainers, this fact is not only astounding – it puts the whole survey’s credibility into question.

The Palestinian Authority (in an emotional, unforgettable role as “the Occupied”) came in at 119. Out of 155 countries surveyed.

So, what makes people happy?

“While basic living standards are essential for happiness, after the baseline has been met happiness varies more with the quality of human relationship than with income,” the report read. “Policy goals should include high employment and high-quality work; a strong community with high levels of trust and respect, which government can influence through inclusive participatory policies; improved physical and mental health; support of family life; and a decent education for all.”

Oh, and a few less checkpoints. Just a tad.

Ami Kaufman

Ami Kaufman was chief night editor for Haaretz, for the prominent Israeli financial daily Calcalist, and correspondent on Israeli affairs for 93.6 RAM FM, a joint Palestinian-Israel radio station. His interest in food and cooking led to culinary studies at the "Israeli CIA" (Tadmor, Herzliya) and a brief stint in the restaurant business. Born in Tel Aviv, Ami lives in Bat Yam with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time he blogs at Half & Half.

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