Gallup poll celebrates Cambodia for happiness and relaxed lifestyle

Published:  30 Jun at 6 PM
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Tagged: Thailand
In spite of its present government and developing nation status, a recent happiness poll has marked Cambodia as a place where positive emotions predominate.

Cambodia’s position in Gallup Poll’s recently released Positive Experience Index might come as a shock to its neighbour, Thailand, now experiencing its 18th military coup since 1932. The poll suggests that the title ‘Land of Smiles’ may now be awarded to the next-door country as 72 percent of Cambodia’s population say they are happy with their lives.

The global research leader released its latest survey of 143 countries on Monday, with Cambodia placed firmly in the upper half of the list for the first time after gaining six percentage points over last year’s survey. Respondents were questioned as to how often they experienced enjoyment or felt respected and the number of times per day they smiled or laughed.

Those surveyed admitted the small country still had many problems to solve, but stressed that they were happy to work around the issues and still enjoy their lives. Many admitted having financial difficulties, but the country’s overall positive experience score registered at 76 per cent, one of the region’s highest.

An earlier poll conducted by a US political entity showed that 79 per cent of respondents felt the country was developing along the right lines, and a survey by the United Nations Development Programme noted that most were happy with education standards. Leading psychologists believe that happiness is relative to the basic needs of everyday life as well as a lack of government control and the freedom to earn a living.

Expats with concerns about living in present-day Thailand may like to take note of the Gallup poll results should they be considering a move in the near future. After all, Cambodia with its genuine smiles and equally laid-back lifestyle is jconveninetly placed just the other side of the border.
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