Why Choose Costa Rica? The "Happiest Country in the World"

 There are many reasons why people choose to live in Costa Rica. This country is proven to offer something special : HAPPINESS!

This has been scientifically studied and measured:

• Costa Rica noted as the leader in happiness out of 148 nations by GLOBAL HAPPINESS INDEX 2009    http://worlddatabaseofhappiness.eur.nl/trendnat/framepage.htm
•  Costa Rica was voted #1 country on the Happy Planet Index (HPI) 2009   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Planet_Index

When asked why I choose Costa Rica to try a new/different life, my own reasons include:

• It is a stable and safe country, and the Costa Rican people (Ticos) are warm and friendly
• It's a popular choice for retirees, expats, and people seeking to leave the 'Rat Race', so I want to see for myself what it's all about, and experience the "PURA VIDA!" lifestyle
• I love nature. cliche yet true: I want to hike and zip-line in the rainforest, see and photograph exotic birds, monkeys,colourful frogs and butterflies, waterfalls and volcanos,  go to Beaches.

Manuel Antonio Beach

• Most of the amenities, services and luxuries found in North America also exist here. Their world-class hospitals offer quality healthcare (good to know, hope never to need). There are large modern shopping malls and grocery superstores, fast food chains, trendy restaurants, "Wal-mart"-type stores.  Some cities are highly developed and commercialized, where many expats live in gated communities. There is some comfort to know we have these options if we desire, but I am looking to live in a small town, amongst the Costa Ricans, shop at the local markets, eat the comida tipico (typical-style CR food), while enjoying a slower pace of life.