Five European Countries Serve as Models for Costa Rica

Strategy XXI Century, which comprises some 200 Costa Rican intellectuals, has named five countries that Costa Rica should emulate, without abandoning its values or idiosyncrasies.

Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden were chosen as role models because of their advanced development and population size similar to Costa Rica’s.

The achievements of these countries in 24 areas were measured and evaluated by Strategy XXI Century, The information shows not only the reality of these five countries but also where Costa Rica should be in the year 2050.

Costa Rican indicators were also measured to illustrate the gap between Costa Rica and these countries, which should be narrowed by the year 2050.

Three World Trends

Based on numerous studies about the world trends, Strategy XXI century called attention to three major developments that will shape the future in the next 45 years:

1. Consumption of natural resources.
2. Demographic changes and
3. Scientific disciplines and innovative technology.

According to specialists, knowledge of this panorama is indispensable to understanding the challenges for 2050, which Costa Rica must face now.

Consumption of Natural Resources:

The consumption of petroleum and coal in developing countries will increase, along with an increase in automobiles and the respective pressure on highway construction and production of cement and asphalt. Other concerns are the deterioration of watersheds and water needed for the production of food.

Population:

In 2050 the planet will have some 9,000 million inhabitants, the majority of whom will reside in developing countries. This population will be distinguished by an increasing number of older people, since the population under age 15 will decrease and the population over 65 will increase. Costa Rica shows this tendency as well.

Knowledge:

Although it is difficult to predict what will happen in science and technology, certain trends stand out: the border between science and technology is being erased, such as the one between basic science and applied sciences. Interdisciplinary studies are becoming more relevant. Physical and biological sciences are changing because of digital technology.

Our thanks to Debbie Poncher and our friends at La Nación – Costa Rica’s largest Spanish circulation newspaper for their permission use this article.

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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.