It's official. India has the fourth happiest population in the world, even ahead of Britain and Canada, a survey indicated.

The survey carried out across 30 nations found that only those living in Australia, the US and Egypt are more upbeat. Around 30,000 people were questioned in the survey by market research company GFK NOP.

The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked 127 cities by rating them on factors such as stability, personal risk, healthcare, culture and environment, education, infrastructure and the availability of goods and services.

It also found that those in their 50s were the most downbeat, regardless of which country they were from. The most miserable population were the Hungarians. Australia was the most cheerful nation, with 46 per cent of the population saying they were very happy. This was followed by the Americans with 40 per cent. Britain shares the fifth happiest spot with Canada. One in three Britons is ‘very happy’ with the quality of life. Just seven per cent are disappointed with how their lives have turned out.

A separate poll, meanwhile, has named Vancouver in Canada as the world’s best place to live.