Saudis have come in at number 58 on the Gallup “happiness rating”, according to a survey conducted by the polling organization between 2005 and 2009 of thousands of people in 155 countries. Saudis also came tenth in the ranking of “least suffering” people, registering only three percent. The happiest nation, according to the poll, are the Danes, while of other Gulf and Arab countries Kuwait came in 23rd, Qatar 35th, Bahrain 48th and the people of Egypt 115th. The survey contained questions such as “how satisfied are you generally with your life?”, and others related to the extent to which people feel respected and appreciated. The survey was initiated at the time of King Abdullah's ascension to the throne, a time which witnessed a significant advance in growth, comprehensive development and reform, as well as organizational, economic and educational accomplishments. Increased diversification away from oil and concerted business reform has also led to a considerable rise in foreign investment in the Kingdom.
