Happy Brazilians

The Economist tackles the seeming paradox that Brazilians are happy despite a slowing economy. Note: In 2013 Brazil slipped from sixth to seventh place, behind the United Kingdom, in gross national product. The reasons for the happiness include: family incomes are rising fast,  pay is outstripping inflation, unemployment is at record levels, the social safety net (bolsa familia) brings people out of poverty, inequality is falling, and the middle class is expanding. Brazil has changed dramatically in the last generation.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/05/economist-explains-why-brazilians-happy-slow-growth-brazil