In The World Happiness Report, Costa Rica Ranks 12

It's been more than a decade since the first-ever World Happiness Report was released in 2012. The United Nations released an annual ranking of the world's happiest countries—the places where the populations are on average more content than in other destinations. During that time, many nations have gone through pandemics, natural disasters, and wars—but the UN and governments across the globe remain committed to finding out what exactly makes people happier.

The UN's World Happiness Report is based on participant self-assessment. The people polled in the study evaluate their own lives by placing themselves on something called the Cantril Scale, which is a ladder of self-satisfaction. The top of the ladder which is 10, would be the happiest, and the bottom of the ladder 0, would be the least happy.

Costa Rica has reason to celebrate as the Central American Country entered the top 20 happiest countries in the world, according to the latest UN-sponsored World Happiness Report. The report, which has been published for over 10 years, ranks 143 countries based on reasons such as life satisfaction, GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.

Costa Rica sitting at number 12 is a great achievement, especially considering that the USA and Germany, two of the world’s largest economies, failed to make the top 20 for the first time. The report also noted that the happiest countries no longer included any of the world’s largest countries.

Finland remained the world’s happiest country for the 7th consecutive year, with other countries like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden also ranked in the top 10, Costa Rica’s success in the report shows the country’s commitment to the well-being of its people.

Costa Rica has made significant improvements in environmental conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism. These factors, combined with a strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and social support, have contributed to its high levels of happiness and satisfaction in life.

As the world continues to grapple with growing inequality and the challenges caused by the pandemic, Costa Rica’s success in the World Happiness Report should motivate everyone and remind them that prioritizing the well-being of people can lead to a happier, more prosperous society.