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The Happiest States In The US Have Been Announced

The Happiest States In The US Have Been Announced

Hawaii is officially the happiest US state once more, according to a new poll ranking all 50 states according to happiness.

Hawaii has taken out the top spot for the sixth time, with Alaska sitting comfortably in second place for the third consecutive year running, while Colorado has now appeared in the top 10 for nine consecutive years. As for the least happiest states? That would be Kentucky and West Virginia. Both have held onto the lowest rankings for eight years running.

The results have come from a survey of more than 177,000 people who were interviewed by analytics company Gallup. The survey included questions regarding purpose, social life, financial situation, community, and physical health. Unsurprisingly, bustling metropolises like New York City and Los Angeles didn’t make the top 10, while states with natural beauty and lower populations placed highly.

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Hawaii

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According to the Gallup poll, states with easy access to nature are the happiest. It’s no surprise, then, that the idyllic islands of Hawaii, known for their stunning beaches, breezy weather and intriguing volcanos, has once again been deemed the happiest state.


Alaska

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Alaska’s vast forests, mountains, wildlife and small, scattered communities are doing something right; in spite of the relentless winters and a feeling of isolation, it’s the second happiest state in the US.


South Dakota

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One of the least densely populated states in the US, South Dakota is known for its sprawling lakes, fertile farmland (agriculture is its highest export) and stunning mountain-lined skylines. It’s unsurprising that people love living somewhere so beautiful.


Maine

Pemaquid Lighthouse and Cliffs; Maine, USA

Aside from Alaska, Maine is the northernmost state of the country, predominantly bordered by Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by a jagged coastline, it’s best known for its mountains, waterways and fresh seafood.


Colorado

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Known for its Aspen skiing fields and Rocky mountains, this landlocked state is known for its particularly diverse, beautiful natural geography. The northern end of Colorado is also famous for its many microbreweries, earning the nickname, “The Napa Valley Of Beer”.


Vermont

Geography plays a part in happiness it seems with almost all top 10 states (except Hawaii and Alaska) located in the Mountain West and Northern Plains of the country. Situated in the northeast, Vermont is the second least populous state, and has been ranked the safest in the entire country.


Arizona

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Arizona lies further west, known best for the stunning Grand Canyon National Park. The state enjoys a diverse desert climate, ranging from searing hot summers to extensive ski resorts in winter.


Montana

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One of the largest, least populous and northernmost states, Montana is not only famous for its mountains, it’s named after them – the very word Montana is derived from the Spanish Montaña, meaning mountains.


Minnesota

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Minnesota is known as “the land of 10,000 lakes”, but this is actually an understatement. There are at least 11,842 lakes in Minnesota that stretch more than 10 hectares in size. On top of this, the state is home to 72 state parks and 58 state forests.


Texas

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Texas holds the second highest population of any US state, but it’s also the second biggest. The vast land, bordered by Mexico, is remarkably diverse. It’s one of the wealthiest and happiest states, rounding out the top 10.

So if you’re planning to move across to the USA, and you’re planning to stay happy while you’re there, perhaps Hawaii or Alaska are the places to be. You can check out the entire top 50 list here.

(Lead image: Hawaii via Floyd Manzano/Flickr CC)

Ready to hit up the happiest states in the US? Check out flights here.

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