A comparative study in 44 nations in the early 1990's Ruut Veenhoven Freedom in nations can affect the happiness of citizens both positively and negatively. This study takes stock of the balance of effects. Freedom is conceived as chance to choose, requiring 'opportunity' to choose, and 'capability' to choose. Opportunity to choose is measured by absence of restrictions in economics, political and personal life. Capability to choose is measured by information and inclination to go one's own way.
Happiness is conceived as the overall appreciation of one's life as a whole.
Average happiness in nations is measured by responses to questions on the matter in representative surveys. Data on both freedom and happiness is available for 48 nations in the early 1990's. Analysis shows first of all positive correlation between freedom and happiness. Yet closer analysis reveals that freedom and happiness do not always concur. Freedom is positively related to happiness among rich nations, but not among poor nations.