Much of The Geography of Bliss is built on the metaphor of an atlas, a map that could direct people to happiness. This connection between maps and happiness reflects longstanding notions about an association between happiness and specific geographic locations. Weiner writes that people “speak of searching for happiness, of finding contentment, as if these were locations in an atlas, actual places that we could visit if only we had the proper map and the right navigational skills” (3). The book follows his attempt to create and follow his own atlas of bliss, by evaluating his personal preferences as well as statistical data on happiness in certain cultures, pulled from the World Database on Happiness. This leads him to visit locations like Switzerland and the Netherlands, which report relatively high levels of happiness.

Certain drugs, like alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, are often associated with happiness, particularly when consumed in social or communal settings. Weiner regularly uses societally acceptable drugs in the book, seeking but rarely finding an enduring sense of happiness. The book suggests moderate consumption is key to deriving happiness from drugs. It also suggests that culture can be just as important as moderation. In the Netherlands, where it is legal, Weiner smokes hashish.