On Wednesday, an annual ranking of well-being was released in which residents of Panama occupied first rank and Afghanistan was at bottom. Rank of the US fell this year, as it has been placed at 23rd position out of 145 countries, territories and areas. The US was at the 12 position previously.

The rankings were released by the Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index. According to Dan Witters, who compiled the index, the fall showed that fewer people are reporting that they are happy with their communities and safety, in addition to positive social ties.

Witters told Reuters that people in Panama reported lots of daily happiness, daily smiling and laughter, in addition to a lot of daily enjoyment without much stress and worry.

They were placed at 1st position in purpose well-being and physical well-being, and when it comes to social and community well-being. The report said that Panama's Latin American positive predisposition, the relative political stability and growing economy of the country are the reasons behind their ranking.

According to Peter Choueiri, president of Healthways International, "Through scientific and peer-review research, we know that improving a population's well-being has a significant impact on increasing performance and lowering healthcare costs".