OECD How's Life?
http://www.oecd.org/document/10/0,3746,en_2649_201185_48791306_1_1_1_1,00.html

(From OECD)

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report entitled "How's Life?" on October 12, 2011. The report covers livelihoods and well-being in 40 countries, including its own member countries.

The release of this report is part of the OECD's "Better Life Initiative," which analyses country situations in 11 areas: income, jobs, housing, health, work-life balance, education, social connections, civic engagement and governance, environment, personal security and subjective well-being.

According to the report, over the past 15 years the well-being in each country has been improving in general, particularly in the areas of affluence, employment, housing, natural environment, health, education, and safety. On the other hand, the gap between countries has been widening. Within countries, gaps also exist. For example the well-being of less-educated and low-income groups is low compared to other groups.

The report points out that although income is a major factor affecting good life, other factors such as health, the environment, community, civic activity, and safety are also important.

Regarding life satisfaction, the top three countries are Denmark (1st, 7.8 points), Canada (2nd, 7.7 points), Norway (3rd, 7.6 points), while Japan ranked 29th with 6.1 points, lower than the OECD average (6.7 points).

OECD launches new report on measuring well-being
http://www.oecd.org/document/39/0,3746,en_21571361_44315115_48858599_1_1_1_1,00.html