The Dutch are among the happiest people in the world, according to a new Gallup World Poll.

The Netherlands is tied for fourth place with Sweden, behind Denmark, Finland and Norway. Approximately 68 percent of the Dutch consider themselves to be happy, compared with 82 percent of the first-place Danes.

Gallup surveyed thousands of respondents in 155 countries between 2005 and 2009. The organization asked respondents to rank overall satisfaction with their lives, and to track “daily experiences,” such as whether they felt well-rested, respected, free of pain and intellectually engaged.

Source: Gallup Inc.

July 30, 2010