It's a Pura Vida Triumph!
On March 20, 2025, the *World Happiness Report* unveiled its annual rankings, and Costa Rica made headlines by climbing to sixth place—its highest position ever and a historic first in the global top 10. Released by the Oxford University Centre for Wellbeing Research, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and Gallup, this report ranks 147 countries based on factors like life satisfaction, social support, GDP per capita, freedom, generosity, and corruption levels. Costa Rica’s ascent from 13th in 2024 to sixth in 2025, with a score soaring from 6.955 to 7.274, reflects the nation’s unique blend of community spirit, natural beauty, and sustainable living. So, what’s behind this Central American gem’s rise to become the happiest country in the Americas? Let’s dive into the *Pura Vida* magic.
The 2025 World Happiness Report: A Snapshot
The *World Happiness Report 2025*, based on data from 2022–2024, crowned Finland as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year. Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden followed closely, but Costa Rica’s leap into sixth place—edging out powerhouses like the Netherlands and Norway—marks a standout moment. Notably, Costa Rica joins Mexico (10th) as the only Latin American countries in the top 20, while the United States slipped to its lowest-ever rank at 24th. This shift highlights a global trend: happiness isn’t just about wealth—it’s about connection, trust, and a balanced way of life.
Why Costa Rica Stands Out
Costa Rica’s climb to sixth place in the *2025 World Happiness Report* isn’t a fluke—it’s a testament to its enduring strengths. Known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and biodiversity, this small nation of 5 million has long punched above its weight in global happiness rankings. But beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes, Costa Rica’s success lies in its social and environmental priorities. Here’s what sets it apart:
Strong Social Bonds and Community Spirit
Costa Ricans thrive on social support, a key metric in the *World Happiness Report*. The phrase *Pura Vida*—meaning “pure life”—is more than a slogan; it’s a cultural ethos of optimism, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether it’s sharing meals with family or helping neighbors, Costa Ricans prioritize relationships over materialism. The report notes that larger household sizes and tight-knit communities in Latin America, like Costa Rica, foster positive social interactions that boost wellbeing.
Abolishing the Army for Social Good
In 1949, Costa Rica made a bold move: it abolished its military, redirecting funds to education, healthcare, and social services. This decision continues to pay dividends. With no defense budget draining resources, the country boasts a 98% literacy rate, universal healthcare, and robust social safety nets—factors that enhance life satisfaction and security. As Costa Rica’s ambassador to the US, Catalina Crespo-Sancho, aptly said, “We adapt, and we work together,” reflecting a peaceful, cooperative spirit.
Environmental Stewardship
Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability, generating over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources and protecting 25% of its land as national parks. This commitment to nature isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for happiness. Access to green spaces, clean air, and outdoor recreation uplifts mental health, a fact backed by studies linking nature exposure to wellbeing. The country’s biodiversity—housing 5% of the world’s species—also fuels eco-tourism, a vital economic driver.
Pura Vida in Action: What the Data Says
Costa Rica’s 2025 happiness score of 7.274 is its highest in a decade, up from 6.96 in 2024. Historically, its average happiness index from 2013 to 2024 hovers around 7.02, peaking at 742 in 2013. This year’s jump reflects steady improvements in social support and life expectancy (around 80 years), despite a modest GDP per capita compared to Western nations. The report also highlights Costa Rica’s resilience amid challenges like a growing migrant population (20% of residents), which it has integrated with remarkable adaptability.
Lessons from Costa Rica’s Happiness Model
Costa Rica’s rise offers valuable lessons for the world. Wealth alone doesn’t guarantee happiness—countries like the US, with higher GDPs, rank lower due to declining social trust and rising loneliness. In contrast, Costa Rica proves that investing in people and planet pays off. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, summed it up: “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth—it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back.” Costa Rica’s model—prioritizing education, health, and nature over militarization—could inspire policymakers globally.
A Happiness Haven for Travelers
For travelers, Costa Rica’s sixth-place ranking is a siren call. Imagine hiking through Monteverde’s cloud forests, surfing in Tamarindo, or spotting sloths in Manuel Antonio—all while soaking in the *Pura Vida* vibe. The country’s Certificate of Sustainable Tourism ensures eco-friendly stays, like Lapa Rios Lodge or Finca Luna Nueva, blending luxury with conscience. As eco-tourism booms, visitors not only experience happiness but also contribute to its preservation.
Costa Rica vs. the World: A Happiness Comparison
Compared to Finland (7.741), Costa Rica’s score is slightly lower, but its ascent is remarkable for a non-Nordic, middle-income country. Unlike Finland’s harsh winters, Costa Rica offers year-round warmth and biodiversity, making happiness more accessible outdoors. Mexico, at 10th, shares cultural similarities, but Costa Rica’s environmental edge and lack of military set it apart. Meanwhile, the US’s drop to 24th underscores a stark contrast: individualism and economic disparity versus Costa Rica’s collective wellbeing.
The Future of Costa Rica’s Happiness
Can Costa Rica sustain its top-10 status? With ongoing investments in sustainability—aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050—and a culture rooted in resilience, the outlook is bright. Challenges like climate change and migration will test its adaptability, but the *Pura Vida* spirit has proven durable. As the happiest country in the Americas, Costa Rica is poised to inspire others in the 2026 *World Happiness Report* and beyond.
Conclusion: Celebrating Costa Rica’s Triumph
Costa Rica’s climb to sixth place in the *2025 World Happiness Report* is a victory for simplicity, community, and sustainability. It’s a reminder that happiness thrives where people connect, nature flourishes, and societies prioritize wellbeing over wealth. Whether you’re planning a trip or pondering life’s big questions, Costa Rica’s *Pura Vida* offers a blueprint worth exploring. Here’s to a nation that’s not just happy—but contagiously so.