The [Feb. 10] edition of the Hopkinton Independent featured some interesting letters, which stimulated me to do a bit of internet research. I searched “countries with highest standard of living,” “happiest countries,” “standard of living by country,” etc. I looked through multiple sites that came up via those internet searches. The listings were all similar, but not identical with respect to the included countries, and with some variations in their relative rankings and inclusions.

Countries that came up, some repeatedly, in the top 10 lists: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland. And, yes, I am aware that I have listed 12 countries.

As for what does it mean; I leave that to you, the reader.

— Ed Harrow, Hopkinton

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