Does a country need to be monetarily rich in order to be happy?
One country in Central America, Costa Rica (the name literally translates to “rich coast”) doesn’t think so. Although its GDP per capita is about $10,000 a year (or one-sixth that of the United States) in 2015 Costa Rica ranked higher than the United States in terms of happiness (12th, according to the World Happiness Report by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network). Costa Ricans have the uplifting national slogan “pura vida,” which means “pure life” and is used in conversation to express optimism and reflect their relaxed lifestyle.
At first glance, the answer to the question “Does a country need to be monetarily rich in order to be happy?” seems Yes. A certain basic level of income is definitely needed for the citizens of a country to lead a decent life. Basic needs need to be fulfilled. However, happiness depends on a host of factors, money being just one of them. Happiness is dependant on the quality of life that one leads. Living in peaceful surroundings surrounded by nature, definitely improves the happiness quotient.
1. What factors allow Costa Ricans to live happy lives despite their modest incomes? (Need to do a little research for this question.Cite your sources.)
Source- https://www.yesmagazine.org/
· “Costa Rica enjoys a privileged position as a mid-income country where citizens have sufficient spare time and abundant interpersonal relations,” says Costa Rican economics professor Mariano Rojas.
· A mid-income level allows most citizens to satisfy their basic needs. Government intervention in the economy assures that all Costa Ricans have access to education, health, and nutrition services.
· A child growing up in the Costa Rican countryside is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes in the world. The government of this tiny Central American country aims to keep it that way. But preserving this land of tropical rainforests isn’t Costa Rica’s only accomplishment.
· The government ensures all citizens have access to health care and education.
· The country actively promotes peace around the world. Domestic and international peace has long been a priority in Costa Rica. In 1948, the country abolished its military, allowing it to spend more on health and education.
· Protecting the Landscape- Costa Rica has pioneered techniques of land management, reforestation, and alternatives to fossil fuels. In a further effort to go green, the country has banned oil drilling within its borders and invests heavily in renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power, which now provide 95 percent of its energy. The country has pledged to go carbon neutral by 2021, the year of its bicentennial.
2. Can a happier nation be a prosperous nation? In other words, is there a trade-off? Or can a nation be both happy and prosperous?
Yes, a happier nation can definitely be a prosperous nation. A happy nation has citizens who are optimistic and satisfied. Thus, they would tend to be more hard working and sincere. Being happy is usually reflected in the positive attitude of the citizens towards their country and the planet, wherein each citizen would be motivated to work towards the betterment of the country. The positive attitude of the citizens would definitely make the country prosperous. So, yes, a nation be both happy and prosperous.
3. Can (or should) the U.S. adopt a similar cultural, political and economic shift emphasizing people's well-being (happiness) over GDP growth? How would this shift affect GDP and productivity? Explain your responses.
As mentioned in the question above, although its GDP per capita is about $10,000 a year (or one-sixth that of the United States) in 2015 Costa Rica ranked higher than the United States in terms of happiness (12th, according to the World Happiness Report by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network). This means that a higher per capita GDP has not literally translated into a higher level of happiness. The US could definitely learn from Costa Rica.
Though the US has been doing well in terms of ensuring a higher per capita GDP, it needs to address other issues that the citizens face. Health concerns arising out of a stressful life need to be addressed. When a government gives priority to the well being of the people, it definitely leads to a more positive outlook of the people, who then play a positive role in making the nation prosperous.
Does a country need to be monetarily rich in order to be happy? One country in...