Costa Rica – The Happiest People In The New York Times.

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In case you missed it, there was a terrific article entitled ‘The Happiest People’ about Costa Rica published on 6th January 2010 in the New York Times by op-ed columnist Nicolas Kristoff.

The very first paragraph really gives you all you need when Kristoff starts of with: “Hmmm. You think it’s a coincidence? Costa Rica is one of the very few countries to have abolished its army, and it’s also arguably the happiest nation on earth.”

Kristoff adds that: “What sets Costa Rica apart is its remarkable decision in 1949 to dissolve its armed forces and invest instead in education. Increased schooling created a more stable society, less prone to the conflicts that have raged elsewhere in Central America. Education also boosted the economy, enabling the country to become a major exporter of computer chips and improving English-language skills so as to attract American eco-tourists.”

There were two interesting and very contradictory comments under his blog that caught my eye…

One is from “captain ronnal” who says that Costa Rica: “Sounds like paradise. I’m amazed that after all these years it hasn’t been invaded.”

And another from “michael charles” who argues that: “Ah, to be able to sleep under the blanket of protection provided by others who do carry the burden of maintaining armies and navies.”

I find it tragic that while my middle-class friends in the US joke sadly about their 401Ks becoming 201Ks, they’re losing their jobs, their health insurance and their homes, some have lost their pensions, the majority of states in the US are facing bankruptcy yet, the thieves on Wall Street who have brought the financial world to it’s knees still get their million dollar end-of-year bonuses and the US continues to spend more money on the military than the rest of the world combined…

My own children are Americans, I have nothing against the American people however even President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned us about the military-industrial complex in his farewell address when he said:

“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.”

I would suggest that Costa Rica doesn’t need an army because unlike the USA, it doesn’t have 737 military bases abroad, it doesn’t invade foreign countries with the help of the British and a pitiful “coalition” of other nations, enforcing “regime changes” then appointing and supporting dozens of genocidal dictators – nice people like Saddam Hussein – and being instrumental in the deaths of millions of innocent people…

In his article Kristoff also mentions that: “In Costa Rica, rising education levels also fostered impressive gender equality so that it ranks higher than the United States in the World Economic Forum gender gap index.”

And refers to the environment: “This emphasis on the environment hasn’t sabotaged Costa Rica’s economy but has bolstered it. Indeed, Costa Rica is one of the few countries that is seeing migration from the United States: Yankees are moving here to enjoy a low-cost retirement. My hunch is that in 25 years, we’ll see large numbers of English-speaking retirement communities along the Costa Rican coast.”

So come on down to Costa Rica while you can! Before Homeland Security implements immigration controls and insists on you applying for and receiving permission to travel outside the USA for “your protection.”

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Written by Scott Oliver, author of 1. Costa Rica Real Estate Scams & How To Avoid Them, 2. How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa, 3. Costa Rica’s Guide To Making Money Offshore and the Director of Costa Rica Living & Retirement – Secrets To Happiness, a new DVD which reveals all with 14 in depth interviews…

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.