According to the World Happiness Report 2017, which country was ranked number one as the world happiest country in that year?

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on the World Happiness Report, an important annual study that ranks countries according to various factors such as income, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The question asks which country topped the list as the happiest country in 2017, a fact that often appears in current affairs sections.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year in focus is 2017.
• The ranking source is the World Happiness Report.
• The question is about the country ranked number one.
• Four countries are offered: Pakistan, Spain, India, and Norway.

Concept / Approach:
The World Happiness Report in 2017 placed Norway at the top of the happiness rankings, overtaking Denmark. The key approach is to recall this specific ranking and not confuse it with later years where other Nordic countries might feature at the top.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Nordic countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Finland frequently appear among the top ranks in happiness reports.Step 2: Focus on the year 2017 and remember which country occupied first place at that time.Step 3: Recognise that Norway was ranked first in the 2017 report.Step 4: Choose Norway from among the listed options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Additional confirmation comes from remembering headlines that specifically highlighted Norway surpassing Denmark to become the happiest country in 2017. India and Pakistan were far lower in the rankings, and Spain was also not at the top.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Pakistan ranks much lower and faces economic and social challenges that keep it far from the top of the list.
Option B: Spain, though relatively developed, was not number one in the 2017 report.
Option C: India also ranked significantly below the top tier countries in the happiness index.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse different years where Finland or Denmark topped the list and wrongly guess another country. It is important to connect year specific facts correctly since such reports are updated annually.

Final Answer:
In the World Happiness Report 2017, the country ranked number one was Norway.