In the first book to identify demographically proven "happiness hotspots" worldwide, researcher and explorer Dan Buettner documents the happiest people on earth and reveals how we can create our own happy zones. Detailing extraordinary new discoveries and meticulous research on four continents, Buettner observes happiness in unlikely places and gleans surprising insight into what generates contentment and what it means to "thrive." Intriguing studies debunk commonly believed myths. Think life was happier in the good old days? To the contrary —data show that people flourish more in modern societies than in traditional, agrarian ones. Marriage, parenthood, gender equality, sociability —you'll be astonished at how (or whether) these factors figure in the happiness equation. Given Buettner's strong media presence and previous success with <i>The Blue Zones,</i> these revelations will generate lots of media attention and catch the interest of health-conscious readers everywhere.