Filed under: World travel
Visit Costa Rica
Where are the happiest countries in the world?
The New Economics Foundation's Happy Planet Index shows that most of them are far from thriving superpowers with high standards of living.
The think-tank uses criteria that are very different from the traditional ways of measuring happiness. Instead of linking it with economic factors, such as GNP, it scores each nation for life expectancy, wellbeing and ecological footprint - a potent alternative to the UN's World Happiness Report, which links happiness to economic power.
What's interesting about the report is its suggestion that the traditional way of measuring happiness - by linking it with money - is outdated.
Explaining its methodology, the group says: "The Happy Planet Index demonstrates that the dominant Western model is not sustainable, and we need to find other development paths towards sustainable wellbeing."
The world's happiest countries
- Vietnam<p> Vietnam ranks number two of all the countries analysed in the Happy Planet Index. A magnet for the modern traveller, this country is finally shaking off the impact of the American war and is developing at breakneck speed. See it before it's ruined by tourism! <strong>Best thing to make you happy here? </strong>Cruise along Halong Bay and take in the wonders of the 3,000 incredible limestone islands that rise from the emerald waters. </p>
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- Panama<p> Panama, which comes seventh in the Happy Planet Index ranking, remains off-the-beaten-track for holidaymakers, meaning it's unfettered by crowds of tourists and a delight for explorers. <strong>Best thing to make you happy here? </strong>Wind your way along the Archipielago de las Perlas, with its countless islands and beautiful beaches...</p>
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- Costa Rica<p> Costa Rica was named the number one happiest country in the world - and also the least corrupt in Latin America - according to the Happy Planet Index. There are no armed forces, low crime levels, and it's pretty much always sunny. And on average, people live to the age of 80... Is there a lesson there somewhere, perhaps? <strong>Best thing to make you happy here? </strong>Watch the monkeys swinging through the forest canopy as you stroll through the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, with its tropical shores, palm trees and wonderful sunsets.</p>
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- Belize<p> Coming in at number four, this incredibly diverse country won a high Happy Planet Index score due to its long life expectancy (76 years), high levels of wellbeing, and a moderate ecological footprint. <b>Best thing to make you happy here? </b>Snorkel among the reefs on the tiny island of Caye Caulker - or just lounge around on the white sandy beaches and soak up the good vibes.</p>
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- Venezuela<p> Coming in at No.9, Venezuela is singled out for its relatively high life expectancy, high levels of wellbeing. <strong>Best thing to make you happy here? </strong>Well, you really have to see Angel Falls - it is the world's highest waterfall, after all.... oh, and it also boasts the longest coastline in the Caribbean Sea.</p>
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- Guatemala<p> Ranking number 10 out of 151 countries studied for the Happy Planet Index, the largest country in Central America scored particularly highly for wellbeing. <strong>Best thing to make you happy here? </strong>Float along the Chiquimula lagoon, 100km south of Guatamala city and take in the spectacular volcanoes, including Fuego, Acatenango and Aqua (pictured).</p>
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- Jamaica<p> The laid-back lifestyle of this Caribbean isle means it scores well in terms of life expectancy and wellbeing in the Happy Planet Index (Jamaica comes in at number six).<strong> Best thing to make you happy here?</strong> Go flower spotting! 200 species of orchid grow naturally on the island of Jamaica - and 73 of them can't be found anywhere else on the planet. </p>
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- El Salvador<p> With its troubled political and economic history, El Salvador may seem like an unlikely candidate for the happiness factor. But the civil war finished 20 years ago, and since then things have been on the up and up: the country scores highly for wellbeing, life expectancy and ecological footprint, and tourists are increasingly turning up to explore its wonders. <strong>Best thing to make you happy here? </strong>Take a dip in the sparkling lake Coatepeque, surrounded by the lush green slopes of the Cerro Verde (pictured).</p>
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- Colombia<p> Claiming third place in the Happy Planet Index, Colombia remains off the beaten track for holidaymakers - which means they're missing out on a treat. <strong>Best thing to make you happy here?</strong> Spend a few relaxing days in Cartagena, one of Latin America's most beautiful cities with its sixteenth century buildings, fortress walls and sparkling Caribbean sea.</p>
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- Nicaragua<p> Nicaragua may be the second poorest nation in the Western hemisphere according to US figures, but it takes eighth place in the NEF findings. <strong>Best thing to do to make you happy here? </strong>Visit the Maribios Volcanic chain, five active volcanoes, with crater lakes and hot springs. The really adventurous can even try volcano surfing here.</p>
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