New Economics Foundation released its second Happy Planet Index, a ranking system of countries based on their environmental impact, health and happiness of its citizens, and its economic standing.

Costa Rica ranked # 1 on the index with a value of 76.1. Main reasons stated for achieving the top rank was its higher than average environmental stewardship (induced by tourist industry); government run education, nutrition, and health care systems; lack of "race of status and conspicuous consumption"; efforts towards world peace; and longevity of its male population.

Rankings of Countries of Possible Interest
#5 Vietnam index rating of 66.5
#7 Cuba, index rating of 65.7
# 13 Saudi Arabia, index rating 59.7
#19 Laos, index ranking of 57.3
#20 China, index rating of 57.1
# 74 United Kingdom, index rating of 43.3
#89 Canada, index rating of 39.4
#109 Chad, index rating of 34.4
#114 United States of America, index rating of 30.7
( see attached excel sheet for full list of rankings or visit website
http://www.happyplanetindex.org/)

I find it interesting that existing environmental pollution levels and the status of women does not appear to be determinants for ecological and economic sustainability status.