Those looking forward to super power United States as the happiest destination in the world may be disappointed this time as the new United Nations report on happiness shows US at 17th position out of 156 countries.

The nation’s “happiness scores” declined slightly compared to the first World Happiness Report, which was published by the  United Nations Sustainable Development and Solutions Network in 2012.

Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden are the world’s happiest countries, according to the UN survey. The saddest places were Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Benin and Togo.

The other prominent nations with cheerful scores were United Kingdom (22nd), France (25th), Germany (26th) and China (93rd), Canada (6th), Israel (11th) Costa Rica (12th) and Mexico (16th).

Six variables were taken into consideration to track the happiness score. The variables were real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption and generosity.

According to the report, the countries hit by the financial crisis, job losses and other economic factors experienced the most declines in their spirits.

Another major factor that may be affecting happiness scores may be mental health treatment. Even in richer countries, less than one-third of the mentally ill are in treatment.