Costa Rica Tops the 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index in Latin America
Costa Rica tops the 2009 Prosperity Index in Latin America ... only to be out scored by Canada and the United States in all the Americas.
The 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index points out the most prosperous nations in the world are not necessarily those that have only a high GDP, “but are those that also have happy, healthy, and free citizens”.
According to the Index, Costa Rica ranked 3rd in the Americas and 32nd worldwide.
Finland tops this year’s Index. Canada ranking seventh and the United States coming in ninth are both ahead of large European nations such as Britain, Germany and France - which all still make the top 20.
Finland is narrowly ahead of Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark. Zimbabwe ranks last, following by Yemen and Sudan.
Others in Latin America include: Uruguay, 33; Chile, 36; Argentina, 38; Brazil, 41; Panama, 42; Mexico, 43; Dominican Republic, 54; Paraguay, 57; El Salvador, 60; Peru, 64; Colombia, 65; Honduras, 66 and Guatemala, 67. The bottom of the region’s list are Ecuador, 71; Nicaragua,72; Bolivia, 73 and Venezuela, 74.
The Legatum Prosperity Index accounts for 90% of the world’s population and is based on years of statistical analysis and research of objective data and subjective responses to surveys. The data comprises 79 different variables organized into nine sub indexes – each identified as a foundation of long-term prosperity.
The nine sub-indexes are:
Economic Fundamentals – a growing, sound economy that provides opportunities for wealth creation; Entrepreneurship and Innovation – an environment friendly to new enterprises and the commercialization of new ideas
Democratic Institutions – transparent and accountable governing institutions that promote economic growth
Education – an accessible, high-quality educational system that fosters human development; Health – the physical well-being of the populace
Safety and Security – a safe environment in which people can pursue opportunity
Governance – an honest and effective government that preserves order and encourages productive citizenship; Personal Freedom – the degree to which individuals can choose the course of their lives
Social Capital – trustworthiness in relationships and strong communities.
Economic Fundamentals – a growing, sound economy that provides opportunities for wealth creation; Entrepreneurship and Innovation – an environment friendly to new enterprises and the commercialization of new ideas
Democratic Institutions – transparent and accountable governing institutions that promote economic growth
Education – an accessible, high-quality educational system that fosters human development; Health – the physical well-being of the populace
Safety and Security – a safe environment in which people can pursue opportunity
Governance – an honest and effective government that preserves order and encourages productive citizenship; Personal Freedom – the degree to which individuals can choose the course of their lives
Social Capital – trustworthiness in relationships and strong communities.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Costa Rica vs. United States
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Posted by Bill Clanton at 10/27/2009 2:17 PM 
Categories: Finance in Costa Rica, Health Care in Costa Rica, Investing in Costa Rica, Communities in Costa Rica, Employment in Costa Rica, Life in Costa Rica, Government of Costa Rica, Culture in Costa Rica, Education in Costa Rica, News from Costa Rica, Security in Costa Rica, Business in Costa Rica, Moving To Costa Rica, Corporations in Costa Rica, Crime in Costa Rica, Retire in Costa Rica, Banking in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Relocating to Costa Rica, Jobs in Costa Rica
Tags: GDP Healthcare Canada index prosperity security Costa Rica democratic Safety entrepreneurship capital freedom governance happy free Legatum Education healthy employment Americas Latin rankings social 2009 u.s. economic innovation United States economy health Government
Categories: Finance in Costa Rica, Health Care in Costa Rica, Investing in Costa Rica, Communities in Costa Rica, Employment in Costa Rica, Life in Costa Rica, Government of Costa Rica, Culture in Costa Rica, Education in Costa Rica, News from Costa Rica, Security in Costa Rica, Business in Costa Rica, Moving To Costa Rica, Corporations in Costa Rica, Crime in Costa Rica, Retire in Costa Rica, Banking in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Relocating to Costa Rica, Jobs in Costa Rica
Tags: GDP Healthcare Canada index prosperity security Costa Rica democratic Safety entrepreneurship capital freedom governance happy free Legatum Education healthy employment Americas Latin rankings social 2009 u.s. economic innovation United States economy health Government
Bill,
We recently stumbled upon your blog it's great.! We have obtained more practical information about the country spending a few hours on your blog than we gathered during a week in the country.
We made a one week trip to CR in March of 2009. We stayed in Manuel Antonio most of the time with a 2 day trip to Arenal. It was just enough for a taste of the country.
Seriously looking a retiring to CR in the next year or two. (I'm 61)
While we really liked Manuel Antonio/Quepos, we think that we will probably end up on the Nicoya or Osa Peninsula. Seems to be cheaper and less crowded in those areas. We need another one or two exploratory trips.
Are you able to comment on specific sites? I'm asking because the Osa Mountain Village held some interest for us.
In any event, great blog, keep up the good work!
John C
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Hola Bill, My wife is a big fan and I have just started navigating around your blog. I need help! A little bio if you dont mind so you know who you are dealing with. My first time in CR was 1981 as a merchant seaman Hit Puerto Limon while sailing on a Panamanian flag banana boat, then I returned in 86 for 5 weeks and made it as far south as San Isidro de General and Uvita and as far north as Playa del Cocos. My room was only 7 bucks a night and I had trouble spending 10 bucks a day on food and beer. Loved it! Retired in 2001 with 32 years going to sea. Been all over the world and CR is tops on my list of places to go. In 2006 returned to CR with wife and son for 3 weeks, boy have things changed in 20 years. Then we came again last year with my Mother in tow. In December this year we are coming again for several months. We have volunteered to do some charity work for 2 orphanages and I will be doing carpentry work .
Questions : Can I bring my own hand tools in with little or no hassles?. Is there a break or special provisions for people doing missionary charity work? Also I wish to know what you consider to be the best bank in CR. I have always been a cash kinda guy but with the increased criminal activity I want to have a safe place to keep funds . Any advice you may have for me will be much appreciated. Also I tried searching for banks on your quick search bar but cant seem to get to the place i need to be . Please email me if you have time ... If not... no problema Hasta Luego Jeremais
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