Contrary to what the writers of South Park would have you think, Costa Rica is a paradise on earth. At least that’s that’s what a new poll by a UK environmental institute has shown: Costa Rica ranks as not only one of the most environmentally friendly countries, but also as the world’s happiest:

The New Economics Foundation looked at 143 countries that are home to 99 percent of the world’s population and devised an equation that weighed life expectancy and people’s happiness against their environmental impact.

By that formula, Costa Rica is the happiest, greenest country in the world, just ahead of the Dominican Republic.

85% of Costa Ricans say they are happy with their lives.

In contrast, the United States came in at 114, and Britain at 74. Speaking of the UK, the BBC’s Mark Easton says he has an idea as to why the richest countries come out last. Quite interesting.

What is it about Latin America and happiness anyway?

Via / AFP

Image via mikebaird on Flickr