Russia has become a relatively happier country after climbing 8 spots and becoming 68th of 156 in World Happiness Report released by Columbia University on Monday.

      However, the country still ranks below its autocratic neighbor Belarus, which is 66th, and the island nation of Mauritius (67), but above North Cyprus (69) and Greece (70).

      The study, partially based on Gallup World Poll findings for 2010 to 2012, assesses factors that affect happiness, including “real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption, and generosity,” it says.

      The world’s five happiest countries are all placed in Europe: Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden, respectively, the study says.

      The six least happy are all in sub-Saharan Africa: Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Benin and, last, Togo.