Houston named 10th most joyous place on Earth

1. Newfoundland and Labrador - on Canada's East Coast

1. Newfoundland and Labrador - on Canada's East Coast Photo: Nalcor Energy Photo: Nalcor Energy Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Houston named 10th most joyous place on Earth 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

We know we're the most ethnically diverse city in the nation.

We also know we have the best food scene, too.

But did you know Houston is one of the most joyous places on Earth? We didn't either.

According to the Joy Index, which explores the often-immeasurable characteristics that make a destination joyous, Houston was named the 10th most joyous places on Earth.

The Joy Index was created in partnership by Bank of America, Condé Nast Traveler and happiness experts Shawn Achor and Gretchen Rubin, author of the best-selling book, "The Happiness Project." The index combines existing research from the United Nations, Gallup and six "happiness factors" created by Achor and Rubin.

They uncovered the 10 most joyous destinations in the world for the first time this year and explored the relationship between happiness and travel. The cities were selected based on six happiness factors: environment, well being, culture, connection, adventure and wonder.

Houston –one of only three U.S. destinations listed in the Index – was included for its culture (one of the six "happiness factors" of the Index), including its diversity as well as a vibrant art and architecture scene, authentic global cuisine and more.

"It was the culture that drew us to Houston and these chances to make joyful experiences through travel," said Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler contributor and Joy Index author. "One of the things Shawn Achor mentioned was he loved walking around the Houston Zoo. It's family bonding but also builds in exercise. Research shows social-support is the greatest predictor of long-term happiness."

There's also a "don't miss" landmarks for each city on the list. In Houston, the are the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Here are the 10 most joyous destinations:

1. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

2. Shanghai, China

3. Aarhus, Denmark

4. Madagascar

5. Hawaii Island, Hawaii (the Big Island)

6. Bordeaux, France

7. Telluride, Colorado

8. Bermuda

9. Matera, Italy

10. Houston, Texas

(Some friends say Houston made the list because it's my #yearofjoy. Big smile.)