"It boasts 11 conservation areas, 28 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 11 forest reserves, eight biological reserves and seven wildlife sanctuaries affording 25 per cent of the country protected status.

With only .03 per cent of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica is home to nearly six per cent of the planet’s biodiversity, with over 500,000 unique species of plant and wildlife. Impressive reading.

But it can’t be ignored that the “happiest place on earth” has some real issues to contend with. Nearly 20 per cent of the country lives in poverty and wages hover at an average of $4 to $5 an hour.

Transport pollution and congestion in the capital San Jose is some of the worst in Latin America, Costa Rican roadways are the fourth most dangerous in the world and youth unemployment is at 25 per cent."

"Though what’s remarkable about Ticos is that they’ll rarely invite you into the shortcomings they grapple with daily. There’s nothing a warm smile and a lighthearted conversation can’t fix. Optimism is a central maxim in these parts.

"I think I can safely go out on a limb here and say that at the heart of our existence we express the desire to be happy. My barometer on this is simply gauged by the way I go about my daily business and the levels of contentment of those around me, from my inner sanctum to the random passers-by that intersect my life.
Am I living in the happiest place on earth? Can’t quantify that, but gee it feels good. Pura Vida one and all."

source: Gary Burchett spent 20 years working in radio and TV production in Sydney and London. He is travelling Latin America with his wife and two daughters who, for the time being, reside on the northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste Province. You can follow their adventures at udreamido.com.

http://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/central-america/is-costa-rica-really-the-worlds-happiest-place/news-story/78e2685e69eca9a39af65c21ccc3287e

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