It Is Official: Costa Rica is First For Satisfaction Of Life
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Disneyworld advertises it is the “happiest place on earth” but the most satisfying place to live in the world is officially tiny Costa Rica, winner of the Happy Planet Index.
The Index measures three factors in 143 countries, encompassing 99 percent of the population on the planet: high life expectancy, high life satisfaction, and a low ecological footprint. Costa Rica came out on top by a large margin.
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 most developed nations will come in towards the top but that is not the case. Despite its wealth and power, the United States sits at 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.
Costa Rica’s per capita income is only about $11,000, but it is the #1 place in the world for life satisfaction. Other countries can endlessly debate all the ways things cannot be done or rethink their model.
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