Sure, everyone has good days and bad days, but did you know that what state you live in might be affecting your happiness?
The idea sounds crazy, but National Geographic did a survey of the entire United States to see how each state ranks in terms of well-being and personal fulfillment, and the results are nothing if not surprising.
Checking for factors like physical health, location, finances, and personal fulfillment in daily life and relationships, National Geographic went all around the country asking people how they ranked their lives: using a key that runs from the "meh" face to a super-smiley grin, a map was created that shows some very enlightening results.
It turns out that the Midwest –– yes, the Midwest, land of cornfields and coyotes--is actually the most fulfilled area of the country, with a few coastal states like California and Maine scattered in for good measure. The big question, however, is what state stands out as the happiest place to live? That answer is no surprise –– it's Hawaii, which is listed as being the place with the most well-being per capita.
The survey also analyzes trends that consider the population density, city size, and urban development, all resulting in interesting trends that'll catch the attention of any budding human geography nerd. If you're interested in checking out the full list, click through the link above and see where your state ranks on the list!