The Economic Geography of Happiness

Does geography matter when it comes to happiness? To what extent does where we live affect how we feel, and why? Economists have made significant contributions to both the measurement of subjective happiness and well-being as well as in the analysis of the factors affecting it. Nevertheless, there has been a relative paucity of studies that add a geographical dimension to the analysis of happiness and its determinants. This chapter makes the case for a Spatial Economics of Happiness. In particular, the chapter highlights the importance of geographical and socioeconomic contextual factors pertaining to well-being and happiness with a particular emphasis on the impact of social and spatial inequalities and social justice. It also makes a strong case for a spatial economics and economic geography perspective in the analysis of the spatial determinants of happiness, including new innovative ways of geovisualization as well as new possibilities for advanced spatial analysis