News item on the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/7487143.stm
"Our research indicates prosperity is linked with happiness. It does contribute," he says, "but it is not the most important factor.
"Personal freedom is even more important, and it's freedom in all kinds of ways. Political freedom, like with democracy and freedom of choice."
looks like the data needs a bit of analysis!