Costa Rica Climbs to Sixth Place in the 2025 World Happiness Index

Costa Rica Ranks as the Sixth Happiest Country Globally

The latest World Happiness Report 2025 has placed Costa Rica in the sixth position globally, solidifying its status as the happiest country in the Latin American region. The annual publication, which assesses the well-being of nations through various indicators, highlights Costa Rica’s performance in comparison to other global economies.

This rise in the rankings represents a significant recognition for the Central American country, surpassing nations such as Norway, Israel, and Luxembourg in the current edition of the report. The World Happiness Index, produced in collaboration with the United Nations, analyzes factors such as GDP per capita, perceived social support, healthy life expectancy, individual freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Costa Rica’s position on this list underscores a positive evaluation of these elements by its population.

In the development of this article, the key components contributing to this reported level of well-being and their significance for Costa Rican society will be analyzed.

Breaking Down the World Happiness Index

To understand the magnitude of this achievement, it is important to understand exactly what the World Happiness Report entails and how it is created. Published annually, typically in collaboration with the United Nations, this report is a comprehensive study that aims to measure the level of happiness and well-being in countries around the world. Its main objective is to offer a global perspective on how people evaluate their own lives.

The methodology of the report is based on a combination of national surveys and objective data. Several key factors are considered that have been shown to significantly influence perceptions of happiness. These core pillars include:

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita: An indicator of the country’s economic standard of living.
Social support: The perception of having someone to rely on in times of need.
Healthy life expectancy: The number of years a person is expected to live in good health.
Freedom to make life choices: The degree to which people feel they have autonomy to make important decisions about their lives.
Generosity: The perception of how often people donate to charitable organizations.
Perception of corruption: The perceived level of corruption within the government and businesses.

It is important to note that the index does not only measure positive emotions, but rather a broader evaluation of quality of life and overall well-being. The fact that Costa Rica has reached sixth place suggests that, in the complex interplay of these factors, the country provides an exceptionally favorable environment for the happiness of its people. In the following sections, we will explore how the very essence of Costa Rica aligns with these pillars of happiness.

Methodology of the World Happiness Index

The World Happiness Report employs a rigorous methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative data to generate its annual ranking. The evaluation is primarily based on responses to the Gallup World Poll, in which respondents are asked to rate their own lives on a scale from 0 to 10, representing the worst and best possible lives, respectively. This self-assessment, known as the Cantril Ladder, forms the foundation for measuring subjective happiness.

Additionally, the report analyzes six key variables that are significantly correlated with these life evaluations:

GDP per capita: A measure of the value of final goods and services produced by a country per capita, adjusted for purchasing power.
Social support: National average of responses to the question, “Do you have relatives or friends you can count on to help you if you need them?”
Healthy life expectancy: An estimate of the number of years a person can expect to live in good health.
Freedom to make life choices: National average of responses to the question, “Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your freedom to choose what you do with your life?”
Generosity: The residual of the regression of the national average responses to the question “Have you donated money to a charity in the past month?” on GDP per capita.
Perception of corruption: National average of responses to two Gallup World Poll corruption questions: “Is corruption widespread throughout the government in this country?” and “Is corruption widespread within businesses in this country?”

The report uses statistical models to determine the extent to which these six variables explain life evaluations in each country. Costa Rica’s position in sixth place suggests a favorable combination of these factors within its national context.

Contributing Factors to Happiness in Costa Rica

While the World Happiness Report identifies global variables that influence well-being, the case of Costa Rica requires a specific analysis of the factors contributing to its outstanding position. Several elements unique to the Costa Rican context may be influencing the high levels of happiness reported by its population:

Emphasis on Social Welfare: Historically, Costa Rica has prioritized investment in areas such as health and public education. Universal or near-universal access to these services may create a greater sense of security and well-being among the population.
Natural Wealth and Environmental Conservation: The country’s rich biodiversity and strong commitment to environmental preservation provide opportunities for recreation, contact with nature, and a perception of high quality of life.
“Pura Vida” Culture: This cultural concept, deeply rooted in Costa Rican society, promotes a positive attitude, the value of social relationships, and a focus on emotional well-being—factors that may influence the subjective perception of happiness.
Political and Social Stability: Despite existing economic and social challenges, Costa Rica enjoys relative political stability and a tradition of peaceful conflict resolution, which can contribute to a more supportive social environment.
Strong Social Networks and Community Support: The importance of family and community support networks in Costa Rican culture may reinforce the “social support” factor measured in the report.

It is important to note that these factors interact in complex ways, and their precise influence on the happiness index requires ongoing and detailed analysis. However, they provide a framework for understanding the possible reasons behind Costa Rica’s strong performance in the global happiness ranking.

Implications of the Ranking for Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s position as the sixth happiest country in the world in the World Happiness Report 2025 carries various national and international implications. This recognition can have significant effects across several sectors:

Tourism: The image of Costa Rica as a country with high levels of well-being may enhance its appeal as a tourist destination. Visitors may be drawn by the idea of experiencing the “Pura Vida” culture and enjoying a setting perceived as positive and healthy.
Foreign Investment: A high happiness index could positively influence the perception of the country as an attractive place for foreign investment, particularly in sectors related to quality of life, sustainability, and well-being.
Nation Branding: International recognition as a happy country can strengthen Costa Rica’s “country brand,” generating a positive image globally and facilitating international relations.
Public Policy: The report’s results may offer valuable insights for the development of public policies aimed at maintaining and improving population well-being, by identifying areas of strength and potential challenges.
National Pride: The country’s ranking may foster a sense of pride and social cohesion among Costa Rican citizens, reinforcing national identity.

However, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective and recognize that the happiness index is an aggregate measure and not without limitations. While it reflects a general trend, it does not necessarily capture individual experiences or socioeconomic disparities that may exist within the country.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its high position in the World Happiness Index, Costa Rica faces ongoing challenges that could impact its future well-being. It is important to consider these areas in order to maintain a comprehensive view of the country’s situation:

Socioeconomic Inequality: While the average level of happiness is high, it is crucial to analyze how well-being is distributed across different population groups and address potential disparities in access to opportunities and resources.
Pressure on Natural Resources: Economic growth and tourism may place strain on the country’s natural resources and biodiversity—key elements of its appeal and well-being. Sustainable development must be promoted.
Infrastructure and Public Services: Maintaining and improving infrastructure and the quality of public services is fundamental to sustaining long-term well-being.
Economic Competitiveness: Ensuring economic competitiveness in a changing global environment is essential to providing employment opportunities and an adequate standard of living.
Climate Change Adaptation: As a country vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Costa Rica must continue to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect its future well-being.

Maintaining and enhancing levels of happiness will require ongoing efforts from the government, civil society, and the private sector to address these challenges and strengthen the pillars that support the well-being of the Costa Rican population. Recognition in the World Happiness Index is a significant achievement, but also a responsibility to continue building a more equitable, sustainable, and happy society for all its people.

Global Context: The World’s Happiest Countries in 2025

To put Costa Rica’s achievement into context, it is worth looking at the countries that top the World Happiness Index 2025. Nordic countries have traditionally occupied the highest ranks, and this year is no exception. The five countries preceding Costa Rica in the ranking are:

Finland: Maintains its position as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, standing out for strong social support, low levels of corruption, and access to quality public services.
Denmark: Another Nordic country with consistently high levels of well-being, recognized for its work-life balance and social safety net.
Iceland: Despite its harsh climate, Iceland remains at the top thanks to strong social cohesion and a strong sense of community.
Sweden: Like its Nordic neighbors, Sweden emphasizes social welfare, equality, and sustainability.
Norway: Although it has fallen a few places compared to previous years, Norway still offers high living standards and well-being.

Costa Rica’s placement in sixth—surpassing countries like Israel (7th), the Netherlands (8th), Luxembourg (9th), and Canada (10th)—highlights the strength of its well-being factors in a global context. The diversity of nations in the top 10 also suggests that there are multiple paths to happiness, influenced by each country’s unique cultural, economic, and social dynamics.

Celebrating Costa Rican Well-Being

Costa Rica’s rise to sixth place in the World Happiness Index 2025 is a reason for celebration and reflection for the entire nation. This international recognition validates the collective effort to build a society that prioritizes well-being, social connection, and respect for the natural environment.

While this achievement is significant, it is essential to approach it with an informed perspective—acknowledging both the strengths that led to this position and the challenges that still lie ahead. Maintaining and improving levels of happiness will require ongoing commitment to effective public policies, promotion of social equity, protection of our valuable natural resources, and the strengthening of community bonds that define the spirit of Pura Vida.

This report not only highlights current happiness, but also encourages us to keep working together to ensure a future in which well-being is a reality for every person in Costa Rica. May this recognition serve as a reminder of the positive and resilient spirit that defines our people!