Happiest People in the World

This morning on public radio I heard that the people of Australia are the happiest people in the world.  The people of Sweden were second with the Canadians third.  That reminded me that in 2007 when I was in Ghana, I read an article that stated the Ghanaian people were the 5^th happiest people in the world.  How can people in a developing country with enormous issues of clean water, poverty, lack of jobs and constant trials be so happy.  My conclusion is that they have family and friends constantly around them.  They certainly are not lonely and receive support from extended family, friends, and their churches.  Secondly, approximately 60% of the country is classified as Christian.  Consequently, they have God on their side.  Believe me, they are constantly involved with those around them.  Where we Americans are so task oriented and driven to get the objective accomplished, they are much more likely to be on their way to an appointment and see someone they have not seen for a while along the street.  They might spend considerable time with them catching up as a priority to getting to their appointment.  Time and objectives are not nearly as important in Ghana as are relationships. 

Blessings,

David Ketchum