| Costa Rica Ranked Happiest Nation A new poll confirms what we at CRROBS already know: Costa Rica is the happiest nation in the world. The New Economics Foundation’s “Happy Planet Index” ranks countries on human well-being and ecological efficiency. In addition to high life satisfaction and a low carbon-footprint, Costa Rica also has the second longest life expectancy of the Americas (second only to Canada). The NEF researchers explain, "Latin Americans report being much less concerned with material issues than, for example, they are with their friends and family. Civil society is very active, from religious groups to workers' groups to environmental groups. Some have mocked the high levels of reported life satisfaction in Latin American countries as belying a lack of knowledge of anything better (i.e. Western lifestyles). On the contrary, Latin America is perhaps more exposed to North American culture than anywhere else in the developing world. Yet somehow it has been more resistant to idolizing this lifestyle, or at least more able to be happy with its own way of life despite this influence. Pura vida is a popular expression in Costa Rica which is used somewhat like the English term 'cool'. It translates literally as 'pure life' and represents in itself an attitude to what is important." Most tourists come down here to relax on beautiful beaches, or test their nerves in an outdoor adventure, or take a picture of an exotic animal. For CRROBS students, they come here to do these things as well as improve themselves (their mind, leadership skills, and whole self). But most people do not think: "I'm going to Costa Rica to learn contentment from the local families." Our courses allow students to experience firsthand the unique cultural outlook of Costa Rica. Every group has at least one Tico instructor, and our homestays allow students to interact with families in the remote village of Piedras Blancas. As our Leadership Semester alum Shannon Gallant states, “I think anyone would benefit from meeting a Tico." To read more about the Happy Planet Index, see: • CNN's article: "Costa Rica tops list of 'happiest' nations" |
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