Even though the United States is one of the most prosperous nations in the world, it may be not be one of the happiest, according to a study released last week.

The study conducted by the World Values Survey (WVS) and published in the United Kingdom's New Scientist magazine, analyzed happiness levels in 65 countries across the globe.

While the United States was ranked 16th, the study found Nigeria has the highest percentage of happy people. Mexico came in second, followed by Venezuela, El Salvador and Puerto Rico.

Russia, Armenia and Romania have the fewest happy people.

Dekkar Dyas (senior-psychology) said he is not surprised the United States is ranked 16th because most people are concerned with money and are not satisfied with what they have.

"I think happiness is personal contentment and feeling good about yourself and your surroundings," Dyas said.

The study showed that materialism detracts from happiness.

Anna Saracino (junior-psychology) said she thinks Nigeria was ranked No. 1 because there is probably less emphasis on money.

"But it's surprising to hear that Nigeria was ranked as the happiest country, because they are a third-world country," she said.

Four out of the top five happiest countries are third-world countries.

Average happiness levels in industrialized countries have remained about the same since World War II, even though their income levels have increased.

Denmark is the exception, and its observed happiness levels have increased over the last 30 years, according to New Scientist.

Josh Lederman (senior-geography) said he believes the cliché "money doesn't buy happiness," is true.

"Money is a quick fix, but eventually the mystique will go away and then you will be back at square one with what really makes you happy," he said.

The article said factors that make people happy vary from country to country.

A high sense of self-esteem, pride, personal success and self-expression are important to people in the United States.

But in Japan, fulfilling the expectations of family, meeting social responsibilities, self-discipline, cooperation and friendliness are most important factors in a person's happiness level.

John Pfau, instructor in the kinesiology department, said Americans are sold on the myth of being "rugged individualists," and this is the reason why people relate to things on a more personal level than in some other countries.

"Values are reflective of a culture," he said. "I would say happiness is when you have more positive feelings about your day-to-day experiences than negative ones."

Pfau discusses the issue of happiness in ESACT 244 (Juggling 4 Wellness) because he says in teaching wellness, students need to focus on what makes them happy.

"The big thing I try to do it raise people's awareness," Pfau said.

In one class, he had his students do an exercise to visualize a perfect day so students could explore what is essential to their own happiness.

"If you haven't thought about what elements make you happy, then you might not be a happy person," Pfau said.