In a world that seems to grow increasingly complicated by the day, a new report recently released by the Organizations for Economic Co-Operation and Development, a Paris-based group of 30 countries with democratic governments that provides economic and social statistics and data, reveals that happiness levels are highest in northern European countries.

Among those countries rated at the top of the list, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands rank first, second and third, respectively. Outside Europe, New Zealand and Canada landed at numbers 8 and 6, respectively. According to the report, the United States did not crack the top 10, while Switzerland placed seventh and Belgium placed tenth.

Why did the northern European countries come out looking so good? Overall economic health played a powerful role.

To see a complete survey of all 10 of the world’s happiest places, visit: forbes