Costa Rica: Happiest Place On The Planet?
March 10, 2010Victor C. Krumm No Comments »Where is the “happiest place on earth ?” Disneyworld claims it is and, though it is a great place to enjoy once in a while, the most satisfying place to live on the planet is officially tiny Costa Rica, winner of the Happy Planet Index.
The Index measures three things: high life expectancy, high life satisfaction, and a low ecological footprint. 143 countries were rated, representing 99 per cent of the world’s population, and Costa Rica came out on top—by a lot.
The Happy Planet Index asked three questions: 1. What is a person’s life expectancy ( premise: it is better to live longer than die young)? 2. While alive, how satisfied are people with the quality of their life (premise: living longer but miserably is not very satisfying)? 3. How much does a country cost the planet (premise: sustainable development is better than exhausting resources and has less effect on global warming) ?
Like me, you probably assume that the richest nations will come in towards the top but that is not the case. Despite its wealth and power, the United States occupies number 114. England does better but still only ranks 74th.
The difference between Costa Rica and the USA is striking. Costa Ricans live longer than Americans (health care is nationalized, nearly free, and universal in Costa Rica), report much higher levels of life satisfaction (they are very happy with their life), and yet have a carbon footprint which is less than a quarter the size of the States.
How did Costa Rica reach the top of the rankings? Many reasons. The country is committed (not just talking about) to sustainable development. While the Western world, China and India are relying upon nonrenewable, nonsustainable resources (think oil) which are exhausting resources and contributing to serious global pollution and global warming, an astounding 99% of Costa Rica’s energy is completely renewable and sustainable. Indeed, while the States (and other developed countries) dither about how to address power needs, find more and more resources to use up, and try to meet the challenges of global warming, tiny Costa Rica has taken action. Using a form of carbon tax, it has embarked on an ambitious reforestation effort—and there are 20% more forested areas now than just 20 years ago. Despite the prospects of large oil deposits off its shores, it refuses to allow oil drilling. And, it is the first—and to date the only country—to commit to being completely carbon neutral by 2021.
Despite the fact that Costa Rica’s per capita income is only about $11,000, it has demonstrated that wealth does not equate with happiness or satisfaction in life. Other countries should be so intelligent.
Writer Victor Krumm posts from his home in Costa Rica. Visit his very popular website about Costa Rica Vacations and be sure to look at the magnificent Seven Wonders of Costa Rica
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