Stunning photos of the 10 happiest places on Earth

Christinne Muschi/Reuters

The INSIDER Summary:

• The World Happiness Report ranked countries based on six factors.
• The US fell from third place in 2007 to 19th in 2016.
• Norway topped the list.

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To some, the happiest place on Earth evokes castles, fireworks, and Disney magic. However, the World Happiness Report published by Sustainable Development Solutions is more concerned with social progress and public policy as markers of prosperity.

It may be less catchy, but fairy dust doesn't solve everything.

The latest report evaluated countries based on six main factors: caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income, and good governance.

The US made the list in third place in 2007, but fell to 19th in 2016 due to what the report classifies as "declining social support and increased corruption."

Here are the top 10 happiest countries in the world as of 2017.

10. Sweden

Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency/Reuters

9. Australia

Jason Reed/Reuters

8. New Zealand

Marcos Brindicci/Reuters

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