We Quebecers are among the happiest people in the world, again.

We just finished among the top six spots in the World Happiness Report, the second year in a row Quebec is supposedly one of the cheeriest places on Earth.

According to the report, we’re now rubbing shoulders with the apparently grinning Finns, delighted Danes and lighthearted legions of Norwegians and Icelanders.

Meanwhile, Canada overall plummeted to 25th place, but without Quebec it would have placed a gloomy 35th.

Just why are we so happy, at least according to ourselves, when there’s not much to be cheerful about in the world today? 

Academics suggest it could be our Quebec social programs like lower tuition, subsidized daycare and parental leave that make life kinder and gentler here for all. 

Others think it’s our relatively cheap rents, café-terrasse culture and summer-long festivals that lower productivity but increase festivity.

But there are plenty of other possible theories, too.

Theory 1: Four of the five other top spots are freezing cold, snowy and dark in winter, much like Quebec.

Like us, the chirpy Scandinavian countries that lead the pack all get way-below-zero winter temperatures and darkness that keeps people indoors wearing wool socks, slurping soup and desperately socializing.

During winter, we Quebecers pack bars, restaurants, parties and dinner gatherings seeking community in the cold.

Experts call this social bonding and........

© Montreal Gazette