LIVE IN COSTA RICA – What is the country best country in Latin America in which to live? Costa Rica. What is the worst? Cuba, even taking into account its good health care and education.
How do we know all of this? The 2014 Index of Social Progress, a non-profit organization, came to this conclusion after researching and analyzing a number of factors.
Fifty-two factors which measure the quality of life in different countries were employed. Basic human needs, fundamental welfare and opportunities were some of the more important indicators which played a role in this highly objective study.
Of the 132 nations studied Costa was ranked number 25 with Uruguay 26, Chile 30, Panama 38, Argentina 42 and Ecuador 50 . The Latin American countries at the bottom of the list were Venezuela 67, Bolivia, 71, Paraguay 72, Nicaragua 74, Honduras 77 and Cuba 79. New Zealand, Switzerland, Iceland, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Canada and Australia were ranked the highest. The United States was number 16th on the list.
When ranking the countries neither economic growth or the GNP per capita were taken into account. Only the social progress which includes nutrition, medical care, drinking water, housing, safety, education, Internet access, individual rights, freedom and tolerance were taken into account. Another important factor that determined Costa Rica’s high ranking is that very few Costa Ricans migrate to the States because the quality of life is so good here. On the other hand, many flee countries like Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia and Cuba in search of a better living conditions and work.
It is also interesting to note that the countries with less corruption are those with more prosperity and development.
So, aside from Costa Rica’s great weather, excellent medical care, friendly people and being the safest place in Latin America the country’s social progress enhances its quality of life and makes the country one of the best places to live or retire on the planet.
Article by Christopher Howard, Live in Costa Rica Blog. Reprinted with permission.
