British and French are genetically unhappy, study finds

British people are predisposed to be grumpier than other nations, a study found.

According to the research from the University of Warwick, British, French and American people have a short form of the gene that controls happiness, while the Danish are genetically designed to be happier.

Professor Andrew Oswald found that the gene known to regulate levels of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin can affect how likely people are to become depressed.

People with a short form of the gene feel lower life satisfaction and display more neuroticism.

Comparing 131 different countries, France is the nation most affected by the shortage of serotonin, followed by British and Americans.

“Although the majority of people within western societies have become richer over time, we haven't become any happier,” the report said.

Denmark is the happiest nation on Earth with an average life satisfaction score of 7.69 out of 10. Netherlands and Ireland are also happy nations, the Economic and Social Research Council said.