Nicaragua - World's Top 10 Happiest Countries - Travel Channel Clipped from: http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/wellness-and-renewal/photos/worlds-top-10-happiest-countries?page=3

by Kathleen Rellihan

Where are the happiest people? Hint: Mostly in Latin America. See the world's most blissful places, according to the leading global happiness measurement the Happy Planet Index.

Photography by Reuterscaragua

NICARAGUA - This Central American country values its natural beauty, with a very low ecological footprint score. Adventurous travelers are starting to take note, too. Locals are excited to see tourism grow rapidly here, with increasing interest in their country's eco-tourism, surfing and "off-the-beaten path" vibe. And it might surprise you, but this country is one of the safest in Central America -- that's something for locals to feel good about, too.

Happiest Planet Index: #8