Posted on December 20, 2012

Latin Americans Most Positive in the World

Jon Clifton, Gallup, December 19, 2012

Latin Americans are the most positive people in the world, with their region being home to eight of the top 10 countries for positive emotions worldwide. Residents in Panama and Paraguay are the most likely to report experiencing positive emotions. Singaporeans, Armenians, and Iraqis are least likely worldwide to report feeling positive emotions.

Happiest

Gallup measured positive emotions in 148 countries and areas in 2011 using five questions. These questions ask people whether they experienced a lot of enjoyment the day before the survey and whether they felt respected, well-rested, laughed and smiled a lot, and did or learned something interesting.

LeastHappy

The average percentage of respondents worldwide who said “yes” to these five questions reflects a relatively upbeat world. {snip}

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