Panama tops, U.S. falls in well-being ranking: Gallup

Residents of Panama topped an annual ranking of well-being released on Wednesday, while Afghanistan ranked last and the United States took a tumble.

The United States ranked 23rd of 145 countries, territories and areas tracked by the Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index, down from 12th place a year earlier.

The decline reflected fewer people reporting they were satisfied with their feelings of community, including safety, as well as reporting less positive social ties, said Dan Witters, who compiled the index.

The addition of 11 more countries and areas in 2014's index also contributed to the United States' lower ranking, Witters said.

"People in Panama will report a lot of daily happiness, a lot of daily smiling and laughter, and a lot of daily enjoyment without a lot of stress and worry," Witters said.

Afghanistan ranked the lowest in overall well-being in 2014, with zero percent of residents considered thriving in well-being areas.  Europe led the world in financial well-being, Gallup said. - Read More

Panama tops, U.S. falls in well-being ranking: Gallup - More