On the eve of 2013, a new study found most of the world is generally happier than last year, and many are hopeful for a better economic picture — except in much of Europe, where the gloomy outlook persists.

Canadians, in typical Canadian fashion, come in around the middle on both counts.

More than 55,000 people in 54 countries were asked, "Will next year be a year of economic prosperity, economic difficulty or remain the same?"

Canada's -12 score on economic outlook may sound negative, but it's a significant increase from last year's -21. That puts us at No. 23.

The outlook has worsened in countries like France, Germany, Ireland and the U.K., giving Europe a score of -48.

The most upbeat country is the republic of Georgia; the least optimistic is Portugal.

When it comes to overall happiness, Canada is No. 18 with a score of 48, compared to a global average of 40. Colombia has the happiest people in the world, with a score of 75, while Lebanon ranks last, with a score of -49.

The Worldwide Independent Network, represented in Canada by Leger, conducted the poll using a sample of about 1,000 men and women in each country. The participants were surveyed either face to face, by phone or online. A survey of this kind generally has a margin of error of 3-5 percentage points.