HAPPINESS IS MADE, NOT BORN

There’s a “queer genesis” to happiness, Mr. Buettner said. It doesn’t just evolve on its own, and the best place to start is at the macro level. Nations need an established history of economic stability and security.

“There were usually enlightened leaders, a generation or two ago, who [ took] the focus off of just economic development,” he said. “Economic development is important for poorer countries, but it’s not that important for rich countries when it comes to happiness. The policies that set into motion an upward spiral in well- being are making sure kids have enough education so they can read, and educating women, especially mothers. [ Those] mothers have fewer children who are better educated, healthier and grow up to be more productive, better parents and make better voting decisions so that the next generation’s even better.”

Countries also need to invest in public health care with a strong focus on prevention that catches chronic problems before they become “six-figure events,” Mr. Buettner said. “Health and happiness are inextricably linked.”

A sense of equality and trust, particularly in government institutions, is also a necessary ingredient for happiness, he noted.

“My central argument when it comes to happiness is that if you try to get happier, it’s a recipe for neurosis. That usually doesn’t work. But you can set up your environment so you’re more likely to be happy,” he said. The workplace is an example. Finding a work buddy, making overtures to others and having meaningful conversations are some ways to increase job satisfaction, regardless of whether you like your position or your pay.

‘STACK THE DECK WITH HAPPY FRIENDS’

Your social network is a critical component of happiness. Numerous studies have highlighted the dangers that come with isolation and loneliness, including depression, poor health and even thoughts of suicide. To be sure, friends are important. But it’s also important to choose them wisely, Mr. Buettner said.

“A lot of us just blunder into our five best friends. They’re left over from childhood, or we met them in college, or we happened to work with them one day,” he said.

Mr. Buettner suggested taking a “cold-eyed” inventory of friendships. Perhaps it’s time to kick negative people out of your circle.

“I would never tell you to dump your old friends, but I will tell you that loneliness is contagious, unhappiness is contagious, bad health behaviors — they’re all measurably contagious. So, one of the best things you can do to stack your deck in favor of happiness is to proactively bring happy people into your network. And not just happy [ones]. It has to be people who care about you.”

For every new happy person you add to your network, your own chance of happiness increases by 15%.

“Instead of focusing on some self-help course, go out and think about who you know and proactively befriend them,” he said. “That’s one domain you can control.”

WHY COSTA RICA, DENMARK AND SINGAPORE GET IT RIGHT

In his research, Mr. Buettner found three specific places that seem to be the happiest on earth. They are the Cartago province of Costa Rica, Denmark and Singapore.

In Costa Rica, the climate is spring-like all year long and some of the world’s best coffee grows in the verdant central valley. There’s no army, and every citizen gets a free health checkup from a nurse practitioner every year. Costa Rica also has the highest literacy rate in Latin America.

“This is a place where religion, family and social interaction are the main values, unlike trying to get ahead, or financial security or status,” Mr. Buettner said. “Their cities are set up so they’re bumping into each other all day long. They walk to the markets, where they have conversations with people.” Costa Ricans report a high level of life satisfaction, he said. “If you live a life where you’re just pursuing your goals and working 50 hours a week and not really enjoying the journey, you want to