Page 93 - GOTIL (ENG) Sample

Appendix 3 315

Most unfortunate, however, are Russians and people in
some other parts of the former Soviet Union. They are
neither rich nor happy, indicates the World Happiness
Survey.

Slovenia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus,
Bulgaria and Moldova follow the United States in the list
to bring up the rear. The study shows that although the
British have twice as much money to spend in real terms
compared with 40 years ago, their perceived quality of
life has not improved.

Earlier surveys revealed that many Britons thought money
could bring happiness. The new study shows that such a
link still exists in poor countries because a small increase
in income can mean large improvements in lifestyle.

However, beyond a certain income-level that direct
relationship breaks down. According to the research,
happiness in rich countries now is far more dependent
on close personal relationships, good health and job
satisfaction.

People in Britain are generally less happy than they
were ten years ago. Two-thirds would rather see the
environment improved than have more economic growth
and personal spending money, said Robert Worcester,
visiting professor of government at the LSE and co-author
of the study.

The researchers have concluded that although Britons
are rich compared with most other countries, many suffer