OSLO, Norway, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A recent survey suggests Norway natives are among the happiest and most trusting people in Europe, the Aftenposten news agency reported.
The European Social Survey was published in Norway's Samfunnspeilet magazine, summarizing interviews with 40,000 Europeans.
"Norwegians are very high on the list of the happiest in Europe, but not top, " said the lead author, sociology professor Kristen Ringdal. "Denmark is on top, well over countries like Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Norway.
"Even if the United Nations development fund has ranked Norway as the best country in the world to live in, this does not have to mean that Norwegians are the happiest people, and this survey shows this."
She added: "It is more surprising that we do not score especially highly on tolerance. "We are in the middle of the list and have nothing to brag about when it comes to tolerance, either towards immigrants or homosexuals."
However, the professor said Norwegians are very trusting of authorities and fellow citizens.
"We have great faith in societal institutions, such as the judicial system and police, and faith in most people," Ringdal said.
