Carnival: one of the elements in Dominica's 'happy index'

That in itself may be one reason why Dominica is one of the happiest countries in the world but it's not the only one.

One hundred and seventy eight countries took part in the survey by the UK-based New Economic Foundation for its Happy Planet Index.

It measured happiness in terms of a country's natural resources, life expectancy and consumption levels rather than national and economic measurements.

Dominica came fourth in the ranking, the highest of all the Caribbean countries. Cuba and St Vincent and the Grenadines also made it into the top ten.

European nations fared less well on the happiness scale with the UK coming in 108th place.

The US ranked 150th.

According to the New Economic Foundation, the survey addresses the relative success or failure of countries giving their citizens a good life whilst respecting the environmental resources.

Several Dominicans contacted by BBC Caribbean radio said they were not surprised by the survey's findings.

The Happy Planet Index describes itself as an innovative new measure that shows the ecological efficiency with which human well-being is delivered around the world.

It says that it's the first ever index to combine environmental impact with well-being to measure the environmental efficiency with which country by country, people live long and happy lives.