According to the last report from the Happy Planet Index (HPI), Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world. For the second year in a row Costa Rica has won the first place of this HPI who evaluates 140 countries on three criteria : how happy its citizens are, how long they live, and how much of the planet’s resources they consume.
Ecology…
Costa Rican landscape and wildlife diversity are precious. This little country of Central America contains 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Being surrounded by lush nature is probably one of the things that make people happy. Morehover, the tropical climate of Costa Rica delights travelers and residents.
Mentality…
People in Costa Rica are also reputed to be less stressed and more laid back. The iconic expression “Pura Vida” is not only a simple word. It’s an attitude and more than that, it’s a way of life. Pura Vida is the way Ticos live. So to understand the true meaning of Pura Vida, you have to live it.
Stability…
People feel safe in Costa Rica. And the economy is sustainable and stable, compared to other countries of Latin America. The country also provides good health care and education system. During the last World Economic Forum in Davos, Carlos Alvarado, president of Costa Rica said : « Seventy years ago, Costa Rica did away with the army. This allows for many things. Eight percent of our GDP is invested in education because we don’t have to spend on the army. So our strength is human talent, human wellbeing. »
Longevity…
Costa Rica is home to one of the five original blue zones regions, the Nicoya peninsula, with a high number of centenarians in excellent health.The average Costa Rican has a life expectancy of 79 years. This little green country has higher wellbeing than the residents of many rich nations, including the USA and the UK. The Tico secret of longevity lies in the food. They eat fewer processed foods and have generally good diets. And eating fewer calories is one of the surest ways to add years to your life.
But the food is not the only secret of longevity, maintaining strong and supportive family ties, it’s really important to make life better. According to the Blue Zones website, relationships are the key to happier and healthier lives : « multiple generations either live together in the same house or within close proximity, and are very much involved in each other’s lives. There’s a village mindset where neighbors are often more like extended family, and people come and go to help each other or just stop in for a visit. »
