Everyone enjoys a little Pura Vida!

Costa Rican’s, as well as residents who have adapted to the culture here, regularly use the phrase “Pura Vida,” which translates to “pure life,” and has been described as “a state of perpetual happiness.”

Nearly all classes of Costa Rican society commonly use the phrase Pura Vida, because living life to the fullest and being happy is a national tradition.

Here are a few reasons why it’s easier to be happy in Costa Rica than in industrialized nations.
• People from industrialized nations are more individualistic and place high value on personal possessions, while Costa Rican’s value their families and friends above all.
• Ticos live for the moment rather than worry about the future.
• Ticos avoid conflict rather than try to dominate.
• Ticos are proud of their little country and enjoy its natural environment.

According to the Happy Planet Index, compiled by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), Costa Rica rates third in global ranking of countries with happy citizens.

The study takes into account life satisfaction, expectancy and “ecological footprint,” (the amount of land needed to sustain the population and counter consumption.)

The New Economic Foundation indicates: “Central America has had a notorious history of conflict and political instability, but the last 15 years have been relatively peaceful, which perhaps, with traditionally high levels of community engagement, explain its success. The region combines relatively good life expectancy (an average of 70 years) and high life satisfaction, with an ecological footprint below its globally equitable share.”

The NEF’s Happy Planet index was created to counter systems that rate nations according to economic indicators.

It’s easier for people to live longer and happier with less consumption and impact on the earth!
You can find out more about the NEF visit; http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/z_sys_publicationdetail.aspx?pid=225