07 July 2009

Costa Rica is the Happiest Country

According to the "Happy Planet Index", a report by the UK-based New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica is the world's happiest country. With the highest life satisfaction in the world, the second highest life expectancy in the Western Hemisphere, and a relatively small ecological footprint, the small Central American country topped the list.

Unfortunately, the list doesn't delve into how much happiness having lots of sea turtle causes in Costa Rica's residents though the turtles will certainly appreciate how efficiently the country uses its resources! Undoubtedly a relatively environmentally-friendly tourism economy has helped them top the list. As the number one industry in the country, the government for the most part over the past 30 years has learned that protecting its incredible natural wealth is a key to attracting visitors that help to lower poverty and provide funds for a strong health care and educational systems.

-Brad Nahill

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