Sweden has overtaken Norway to claim second place in the ranking. The Scandinavian country ranks top for quality of the environment, and above average in work-life balance, life satisfaction, health, and education.
The OECD has been searching for the key to happiness and well-being for nearly 15 years. A lead researcher with the organization, Romina Boarini, said the Better Life Index takes account of some traditional measures -- such as income and employment -- but tries to get to the heart of what makes people happy by including other factors.
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Swedes enjoy high household income and good job security. Sweden's worst indicator is personal safety. The report said 5.1% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, above the OECD average of 3.9%.
