9. New Zealand
New to the top 10 list of happiest countries,
New Zealand has plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Though it's always been an attractive spot to explore,
Peter Jackson choosing the country to host the filming of the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy has given New Zealand more attention than money could buy.
The capital city of Wellington has benefited from the growth of the movie industry, developing a happening restaurant and design scene.
And many of the country's natural wonders have gained international attention,
including the 2,291-meter (7,516-foot)-high Mount Ngauruhoe,
which played the fictional Mount Doom.
It's part of Tongariro National Park,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.