*Israel Turns 78 With 10.244 Million People and a Happiness Ranking That Embarrasses Most of Europe*

 On the eve of Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's population hit 10.244 million, up 146,000 in a single year, despite war, hostages and global hostility. 

The country is younger, growing faster, and ranks 8th in the UN's World Happiness Report, ahead of the US, UK and most of Europe.

From 806,000 at its founding to 10.244 million today, the numbers tell a story Israel's enemies don't want to hear.