Happy Planet Index

I read recently that Costa Rica is the happiest place on earth! I was quite surprised by the fact and explored further to find out why. It turns out that there is an index to measure happiness on earth. The way it works is that it measures the happiness of a country in terms of both longevity and vitality of its population along with a measure of how little that nation adversely impacts the environment to achieve that happiness. It is an interesting concept and the idea is worth incorporating in our own lives.

Nic Marks, the founder of Happy Planet Index, also talks about his findings in a TED Talk.

According to his research, the five important things to do to be happy are as follows:

1. Connect (with other people)
2. Be Active
3. Take Notice (be aware of things happening around you)
4. Keep Learning, and
5. Give

(click on the picture to hear the complete talk).













And as for Costa Rica, it turns out they have completed eliminated the military and have used the money to invest in health and education instead. Tourism is one of their most thriving industries and their population is quite well educated and is occupied in waging peace instead of war!