The Better Life Index, published by the OECD, surveys 34 member nations plus some partner states, looking at 11 areas of satisfaction and happiness.

In 2013, Australia has once again emerged at the top of the list. Why are Australian's relatively happy? Is it just about the climate?

And why are Scandinavian nations also within the top 10 of the world's happiest nations?

Mal Fletcher, the social commentator, offers some insightful explanations in this interview with BBC Radio.

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