AND THE HAPPIEST STATE IN AMERICA IS . . .

Alaska tops the list as the state where residents feel most content.

According to the latest survey conducted by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, locals in “the last frontier” share the strongest sense of purpose in the nation, ranking among the top three states for their collective feelings of financial security, community pride and good health.

“Although we have our share of problems common to other states in the nation,” Albert Wall, director of the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, pointed out, ”almost all Alaskans live here by choice — for our beautiful surroundings, our sense of freedom and individuality, and our close ties with the land.”