On this International Day of happiness, in Captain Suizo we want to tell you why this day is so important in Costa Rica and how happiness in general is a characteristic of its inhabitants.
We compiled three quotes from different sources, to try to explain it better:
According to the World Happiness Report 2018, Costa Rica occupies the #13 position. In a surprising position, over many developed countries, larger and with a more complex economic and social structure. See listing here.
According to the National Geographic Magazine (In its edition "The search for happiness”, November 2017):
In the article author Dan Buettner highlights Costa Rica as one of the happiest places in the world, comparing it with other success stories such as Denmark and Singapore.
According to Alejandro Zúñiga (a Costa Rican) interviewed by the magazine: “Costa Ricans enjoy the pleasure of living daily life to the fullest in a place that mitigates stress and maximizes joy” (National Geographic)
According to the Happy Planet index:
Costa Rica it ranked #1 out of 140 countries in the years 2009, 2012 and 2016. This index evaluates characteristics such as: Life expectancy, well-being, ecological footprint and equality.
“Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, and has since reallocated army funds to be spent on education, health and pensions. In 2012, Costa Rica invested more in education and health as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product than the UK. Professor Mariano Rojas, a Costa Rican economist at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, attributes Costa Ricans’ high wellbeing to a culture of forming solid social networks of friends, families and neighbourhoods.” (2016) Read more about this index here.
In summary: we think that Costa Rica is a small country, with good living conditions and a very stable political and social system that allows its inhabitants to have a free, full and long life. Costa Rica abolished the army since 1948 and peace characterizes its people. Their health and educational system is of quality and very accessible. The hope of a long and full life is very high. It has an enviable climate, a balanced environment, a healthy and balanced diet and a close relationship with nature.
That is why we are so proud to be in Costa Rica and to be able to share this with our guests the authentic way of being a Costa Rican. It allows us to always receive guests with a sincere smile. We hope you enjoy this day and all your vacations! That you can get a little bit of happiness in this small country.