Top in happiness: Sweden, followed by Canada, Australia, South Africa, Belgium and the US.
The study of adults in 20 of the world's leading powers revealed a clear majority wish their life was simpler.
The global public leaned toward nostalgia, a strong sense of tradition, and a desire for a slower pace of life.
The researchers questioned 16,000 adults in the autumn of 2013: 1,000 in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Britain and the US, and approximately 500 in Argentina, Belgium, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey.
77% said the world was changing too fast.
Over half said they wished they could slow the pace of their lives.
61% said technology was part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Despite the levels of stated happiness, the report found gloom about the future, about the growing pace of globalization and the effects of inequality. All serious problems which society needs to solve.
Is happiness the same as dissatisfaction?
They're both temporary states of mind.
That's the second time in my life when I grew disenchanted. On the other occasion I was jealous that my sister's wedding was better than mine. How stupid. We each got what we deserved—I see that now. Other than those times when ugly emotions reared their heads, I'm happy, balanced and accepting of my place in the world.
I remember an old story about a four leaf clover. An Irishman set out to find the special leaf that would bring him luck and happiness. He searched for years until he gave up and returned disheartened. He paused outside his house and looked down. Heart pounding with joy, he bent and plucked a four leaf clover. He'd searched the world, and found what he wanted right at his own front door.
If you were asked about your own happiness, what would you say?