Posted by Saul Rasminsky
Costa
Rica might as well be one of the best places to live on the planet,
according to the United Nations in an article from the Tico Times:
Costa
Rica might as well be one of the best places to live on the planet,
according to the United Nations in an article from the Tico Times:
Costa
Rica still ranks among the world’s happiest countries according to
the United Nation’s 2013 World Happiness Report released Tuesday.
Ticos are ranked as the 12th happiest people on Earth out of 156
countries. Costa Rica also was ranked 12th in the 2012 report.
Its
No. 12 spot puts Costa Rica’s happiness ahead of every other
country in Latin America, trailed by Panama (15) and Mexico (16), and
at No. 2 in the Western Hemisphere, topped only by Canada (6). The
U.S. ranked 17th, a marked drop from last year’s 11th place.
The
report analyzed data from surveys conducted between 2010 and 2012.
While traditional happiness indicators like per-capita gross domestic
product and life expectancy were considered in ranking happiness,
other factors like the availability of social support and the
perceptions of corruption and generosity were also included.
The
report also concluded that the “happiness rating” in the country
didn't change much for the 2010-2012 period, similar to when the same
survey was conducted between 2005 and 2007. However, the UN also
noted that those who live in Latin America are generally happier than
those who live elsewhere. Costa Rica is also ranked together with
Chile (5th)
as one of the “most emotional” countries in the world, which can
possibly be attributed to the country's vibrant culture and beautiful
scenery.
A
lot can be done with these survey results, although it's not a
stretch to say that they proved just how lucrative investing in real
estate in Costa Rica
can be. Firms like Dominical Real Estate even specialize in specific
provinces simply because tourists and investors alike have their
hands full finding the “best place to stay” in the country. The
province of Dominical, for instance, is a well-known haven for
surfers, jet skiers, and others who're interested in water sports.
Of
course, people should still be careful even when visiting one of the
happiest places on Earth today. The US government recommends caution
when swimming in the country's beaches since the currents can change
dramatically in an instant. Even buying
real estate in Costa Rica
may warrant the help of a lawyer, especially if the buyers aren't
familiar with the country's property laws.
(From
Costa
Rica Ranks 12th
in World Happiness Report, Tico
Times,
September 10, 2013)
Sources:
-
travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html
-
www.lonelyplanet.com/costa-rica/central-pacific-coast/quepos-to-dominical/activities
-
home.howstuffworks.com/real-estate/10-investment-tips-for-buying-a-vacation-home.htm