The World Happiness Report for 2016 ranks 156 countries by their happiness levels, using data collected from a Gallup poll to measure economical, psychological, health and public policy factors, among others. 

The report, released just days ahead of UN World Happiness Day on Sunday, ranks the top 10 happiest countries as follows:

6. Canada

7. Netherlands

8. New Zealand

9. Australia

10. Sweden

The report ranks Burundi as the least happy nation. Data collected found that inequality among people was strongly associated with unhappiness.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com