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Can the Lack of a Military Increase Happiness? |
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Posted 4/26/2010 at 4:31 PM by Bradlee A in Laureates News
Affiliate: Costa Rica |
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 Chatham Beach at Isla del Coco, Costa Rica.
As President Oscar Arias readies to leave office, his nation of Costa Rica was recently announced as the happiest nation in the world, according to a study done by the World Database of Happiness. Participants are asked to rate their country on a scale of 1-10 on various aspects relating to happiness. Costa Rica finished ahead of 147 other countries surveyed.
Nicholas D. Kristof, an Op-Ed columnist at the New York Times had an interesting point of view on why Costa Ricans are so happy:
Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times wrote:
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.
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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. |
Read the interesting column in its entirety here. |
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