But even if a happiness index arrives, will it deliver what France would hope to see?

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Last November Prime Minister David Cameron launched a separate "happiness index" to measure the well-being of UK citizens.

BBC: Well-being survey: Three-quarters satisfied with lives

The French and even the dour British are also exploring ways to come up with a national happiness index.

NPR: 'Happiness Index' Bucks Financial Woes

The notion of having a "happiness index" to track a country's power to smile, not just to spend, used to be the quirky preserve of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

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