BusinessWeek has done an analysis to determine the  relatively abstract notion of which countries are the happiest.

As you go through the blurbs, it's revealing that one of my own personal "when I am king" theories is highly represented as a criterion for a happy society - free post-secondary education. 

(Click through the arrows on the top right of the linked page to see the blurbs for all countries as well as some very nice pictures.)

1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Bahamas
6. Finland
7. Sweden
8. Bhutan
9.  Brunei
10. Canada
11. Ireland
12. Luxembourg

(via Reddit)