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Are Canadians considerably happier than Americans?

In celebration of the Canada Day long weekend, we're asking Canadians what they feel are the best best things about living in this country.

A new study reveals that Canadians are among the happiest people on the planet.

Canada finished sixth in a global happiness survey sponsored by the United Nations, because of our long life expectancy, high incomes and strong social support. Clearly weather wasn't a consideration in the survey, as other cold countries finished ahead of us: Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands and Sweden.

Interestingly, the United States placed 17th in the survey, despite similar conditions to those in Canada.

[ Full story: Canada ranks 6th in global happiness survey ]

The study found six factors determine happiness: per capita GDP, life expectancy, social support, generosity, perceived corruption and freedom to make life choices.

The U.S. finished behind Canada in life freedom, generosity and social support - essentially having someone to count on.

Denmark resident Jens Norlem told CBC it's the generosity and social support that sets his country ahead of the U.S.

"It's a very typical thing here that if you walk up to people in the street and ask them a question, they'll try to help. They wouldn't think 'Who is this person coming up to me? He's probably trying to rob me.'

"Which I guess is a bit different in the United States, just taking an example, where a lot of people have guns and try to protect themselves, so they can shoot anybody coming up to them."

So what do you think? Are we that much happier than our neighbours to the south? Why?

Have your say in the comments area below.