Introduction to Happiness in Nations
Abstract chapter 3

INDICATORS FOR LIVABILITY OF SOCIETY: AVERAGE HAPPINESS
The livability of human societies can be estimated in two ways: The first way is to assess the presence of living conditions deemed likely to provide a fit with citizens needs and capacities. Clues for presence of such conditions are referred to as 'input' indicators. The second way is to assess the degree to which citizens flourish in a society, assuming that good flourishing results from a good fit. Manifestations of good flourishing are health and satisfaction. They are referred to as 'output' indicators of livability.
   The focus of this book is on output indicators, in particular on satisfaction. Unlike health, satisfaction has hardly been compared cross-nationally as yet. This book presents data on satisfaction with life-as-a-whole, also called 'happiness'.

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