Like many Western nations (outside of Scandinavia), Spain’s lowly position in the latest World Happiness Report can be attributed to increasing pessimism among the young, who are struggling with intense economic challenges.

The report revealed low scores for social support and in freedom to make life choices. There was also a higher perception of corruption than in other Western countries. Interestingly, countries that Spain once ruled, like Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador, all ranked higher in this year's report.

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Ranked: the world's happiest countries – and the most miserable