Dan buettner - thrive (National Geographic Society)

In this paperback edition of "Thrive", the first book to identify demographically proven happiness hotspots worldwide, researcher and explorer Dan Buettner documents the happiest people on earth and reveals how we can create our own happy zones.

Detailing extraordinary new discoveries and meticulous research on four continents, Buettner gleans surprising insight into what generate contentment and what it means to thrive. Intriguing studies debunk commonly believed myths.

Think life was happier in the good old days? To the contrary - data show that people flourish more in modern societies than in traditional, agrarian ones. Marriage, parenthood, gender equality, sociability - you'll be astonished at how (or whether) these factors figure in the happiness equation.

What makes us happy? It's not wealth, youth, beauty, or intelligence, says Dan Buettner. In fact most of us have the keys within our grasp. Circling the globe to study the world's happiest populations, Buettner has spotted several common principles that can unlock the doors to true contentment.

It's all about nourishing the body and spirit.Heeding the secrets of the world's happiness all-stars can help us make the right choices to find more satisfaction in our own lives and learn how to thrive.