For a third year running, Australia has secured the title of the world’s happiest country. Based upon criteria of income, jobs, housing and health, the land down under beat out number two Sweden and number three Canada for the top honor from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The OECD statistics show more than 73 percent of people aged 15 to 64 in Australia have a paid job, above the OECD average of 66 percent and life expectancy at birth in Australia is almost 82 years, two years higher than the OECD average.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Australians also work fewer hours each year than their OECD peers. The average Australian works 1693 hours in contrast with most people in the OECD working 1776 hours a year.

Plus, we recently read in a separate study that Australia provides workers with nearly the most paid vacation days and holidays amongst countries with advanced economies.

So, congrats to all the Aussies living happy lives! We’re sure our students currently in Australia are observing the jubilant lifestyle of the local people.