A global poll released Wednesday of nearly 150,000 people around the world says seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America.
It's a paradox because many of the seven do poorly in traditional measures of well-being, including public health, income and education.
The poll by Gallup Inc. finds prosperous nations can be deeply unhappy ones. Poverty-stricken ones are often overflowing with positivity.
Some say it's about focusing on things such as friends, family and religion.
The United States was No. 33 in the positive outlook.
