---
title: WHAT MAKES COSTA RICA ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD?
description: What is it that makes Costa Rica the happiest place on the earth? Read this article to find out.
---

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## Costa Rica Travel Blog

# WHAT MAKES COSTA RICA ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD?

Posted by [shieldwatch](https://blog.arenalhills.com/author/shieldwatch) on May 15, 2017, 4:12:36 AM

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Wealth has nothing to do with happiness, which explains why a developing country like Costa Rica has grabbed the top spot in the Happy Planet Index (HPI) rankings, not only once but many times with a substantial lead. The HPI, which ranks 140 nations according to "what matters most – sustainable well-being for all" using such parameters as life expectancy, well-being, inequality, and ecological footprint, doesn’t consider the standard success criterion like GDP. No wonder, some of the wealthiest nations like the USA, the UK, and even Switzerland fare poorly in the HPI list. This leaves us wondering, what is it that makes Costa Rica the happiest nation on the planet? Does it have something to do with its ravishing beauty? Is it their love for the environment? Does the culture and food hold the secret? Let's find out; this could be a revelation for you.

**No Army**

Instead of spending zillions on feeding an extra-large army and buying military equipment, Costa Rica invests itsmoney on what matters – health and education of its people. Health and knowledge breed happy people – it is easy to see the connection.

**Love for the Environment**

Costa Rica is one of a few countries that strives to become carbon neutral by 2021. Unlike many other tourist destinations in the world that willingly lose their lands and ecological balance to the aggressive property developers and hoteliers, Costa Rica focuses on converting forests into park lands and nature preserve. The pride of having a green, well-kept country translates into happiness.

**Philosophy of Letting Go**

Costa Rican traditions forbid their people from holding grudges against another person for more than three days. Now, isn’t that wonderful? How can you remain sad or unhappy when you have no complaint against anything or anybody?

**Healthy Eating Habits**

Costa Rica has no soda, junk, or additives in the form of refined sugar and sodium; only a diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich rice and beans. The result? A regiment of healthy people that are strong from within and to whom the concept of food-induced mood swings is completely unknown. It is this healthy eating habit that gives Costa Ricans a high life expectancy of 78.5 years on average.

**Slow Pace, Low Stress**

By Costa Rican standards, rushing is synonymous with rudeness. A slow-paced lifestyle, on the other hand, allows them to relax, look around, and appreciate the nice things around them.

**Living to Please Others**

When you are surrounded by people who are eager to please you and are careful not to hurt other’s sentiments even unknowingly, what can you expect other than complete bliss?

Wouldn’t you like to visit this paradise called Costa Rica at least once in your lifetime? The happiness here is contagious. We won’t be surprised if you never wish to leave the place and if you decide to make Costa Rica your second home, contact us. Our luxurious single-family villas will make every bit of your Costa Rica experience even more memorable. Call Arenal Hills at [1-844-MY-HILLS](tel:1-844-694-4557) today.

 Topics: [arenal hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills), [costa rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica), [Costa Rica In The News](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica-in-the-news)

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