Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica & Panama top 5 happiest countries on earth

Victoria Maria says on Jul 13, 2006, 06:39:

when and where was this published? Lovely bit of news.
Victoria

Victoria Maria

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Gomezman5 says on Jul 13, 2006, 07:15:

Nonsense. If you believe that study, I have a bridge to sell you.

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platano says on Jul 13, 2006, 07:26:

G5, I have to disagree with you... This is just one more study confirming the happiness of Colombians. I have posted previously on several other studies (scientifically valid and reliable studies) which come to similar conclusions.

The studies all confirm my personal experience of Colombia, including my experience as a kidnap victim of a bunch of happy go lucky guerrillas. They seem to have fun wreaking havoc on Colombia, they listen to salsa, they tell jokes... even in "las montañas de Colombia"... damnest thing... (psychopathology I believe) and I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it.

plátano

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Ctg Bound says on Jul 13, 2006, 07:31:

G5 I never pay much attention to these happyness surveys either.

BUT from my travels the Latin Countries in the Americas definetly SEEM to have the happiest people, although I haver never been to any Pacific Islands.

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Simon says on Jul 13, 2006, 07:49:

I think the study is dead-on, I mean, look at Gomezman, he is what we in Colombia call 'UN AMARGADO'. Perhaps if he actually grew up in Colombia he wouldn't be so miserable.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Ctg Bound says on Jul 13, 2006, 08:03:

Simon Good point.

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Colombiche says on Jul 13, 2006, 09:47:

The thing about Colombia is that in spite of the hardships people enjoy what little they have and don't really sweat the small stuff a lot.

Then the strong family ties, the weather, the openness of the people, the festive atmosphere helps.

sometimes it isn't what you have, but rather how happy you are with what you have.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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elmodefoque says on Jul 13, 2006, 10:14:

Colombiche mi diosa, you hit it right on the head. Look at me for a example, my life is a total pile of stinking crap. I live in the ghetto, I’m old, I shit my own pants, I got a basketball size hemorrhoids, I ain’t got no car, I aint got no girlfriend and can’t get one no matter how hard i try, but I do have lots of guy friends and most would describe me as a happy go lucky modefoque y como dice mi amigo Cubano, ando “muerto de risa y embarrutao de mierda”

I'll get there, when I get there!

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Colombiche says on Jul 13, 2006, 15:49:

You got it The further ahead I get in my career, the more worries I have. The phone, the pager going off, being held accountable for all the crap that goes wrong with my company and the client company. The more money you make, the less time and piece of mind you have to enjoy it.

It reminds me of American Pie, when the CEO guy quit his job and went to flip burgers.

I think I am going to quit and open up an empanada cart in Medellin. "Empanadas Colombiche, compre dos y le encimamos el pique y la pola".

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 13, 2006, 16:29:

Methodological errors I just think they always forget to ask the poor modefoques who got their leg blown off by a landmine and are picking through my garbage at 3AM. Or the underage FARC recruit picking leaches off his nuts down in Nariño

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Simon says on Jul 13, 2006, 16:39:

Yeah, but that "poor modefoque" who got his leg blown off is happy to be alive.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 13, 2006, 16:59:

Very good point That's a very good point and goes a long way towards explaining the happiness of Colombians.

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Dolfi says on Jul 14, 2006, 01:05:

A^study by the London school A study by the London school of Economics found thta Bangladesh is the happiest country, see

http://www.angelfire.com/ri/bengaliyouths/happiest.html

I think this is all pure nonsense. If people in these countries are so happy, why are so many of them migrating to the far unhappier countries of the north?

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elmodefoque says on Jul 14, 2006, 05:19:

Putting obvious third world countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Dominica? Bangladesh, Thailand etc. as the happiest in the world makes me question the validity of this report.
I asked myself, was I happy living in total poverty? And the answer is YES! But I’m still confused as to why I was so happy. I cant’ say I came from a very tight loving family. Hell, my mother took off with a bus driver, I grew up in the streets with kids in the same boat and since we didn’t’ know from sleeping on a bed, having cold drinks, eating every day, showering, I thought everybody walked around with head lice, all my buddies did. The best pair of shoes I had were my filthy pecueca smelling, cayoso feet. A toilet and toilet paper, WTF was that? For the first 10 years of my life my mouth never saw a toothbrush, I had ¼ inch layer of yellow shit covering my teeth. Maybe not knowing was the key to my happiness. Could I be happy going back to the way I grew up? honesty! Hell no!!! But if I have to, I could definitely hack it. Of course I would have to keep myself drunk day and night and that’s what people in the neck of my woods do to keep themselves happy.

I'll get there, when I get there!

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utopiacowboy says on Jul 15, 2006, 08:50:

That wasn't "American Pie", it was "American Beauty".

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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webmanco says on Jul 25, 2006, 19:49:

Colom..Hardly in the top 5 happiest countries, but who cares I do not believe Colombia qualifies as one of the top five happiest countries in the world, maybe it makes the top ten, maybe not, but who cares anyway, I hardly believe in surveys and statistics


I listen comments like how lucky was someone for being granted a tourist visa to X or Y country. Like if it were most colombians dream come true, to leave the country.

It can´t be the happiest country when a few women would rather live with someone "not always with love involved" but for financial interests and the hope of a brightest future and an opportunity to raise kids with better education among other pursued dreams.

It can´t be the happiest country when you see kids at red trafick lights working from selling goods to doing acrobatic figures, or cleaning your car´s windows.

Count me out of those surveys and "studies", I am not happy about my "paisanos" leaving the country, about corruption, about double morality from the government and the calm of us colombians taking hikes on taxes, on gas and about everything.



I am not much of a movie fan, I just saw Rosario Tijeras and did like the production but not the image that it portrays about Colombia and its women. It seems the Colombia some posters on this Forum want it to be or make other's believe.



And I don´t complaint but I do see if Colombia were one of the happyiest countries in the world then those who claim love for the country would not leave it behind and if they had to, they won´t do it for too long.

Here is an article from a journalist adopte by Colombia. A woman's point of view on the Happy Colombia.



Florence Thomas, Colombia es un país alegre, vital y apasionado, pero no feliz

Click here for full article



Lo que caracteriza a esta nación es una fuerza vital que le permite hacer frente a tantas adversidades.

Nunca he pretendido entender del todo este país que me adoptó tan generosamente y, aun después de 40 años de vivir y habitarlo, sé que siempre quedarán zonas oscuras que acepto con resignación. Al fin y al cabo no nací en estas tierras y los 25 primeros años de mi vida, que los pasé en la cuna de René Descartes y su Discurso del método, no me permiten, ni me permitirán jamás, entender del todo el trópico y su magia.

Y, sin embargo, creo conocer algo de Colombia y de su gente a través de sus mujeres. De ellas he escuchado dolores inimaginables y a través de sus relatos me he acercado a los estragos de las miles de guerras que han vivido, estragos grabados en sus pieles, en sus caras, en sus cuerpos, que cada día cuentan sus esperas sin esperanzas, sus sueños suspendidos en una realidad que les cierra el paso.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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David in Idaho says on Jul 25, 2006, 22:50:

mis dos pesos Well, the problem is that we don't all agree on what "happy" really is. This Brittish think tank, the New Economics Foundation, defined happiness for their study as not only satisfaction, but also life expectancy and environmental footprint. Obviously satisfaction is a part of happiness; they're basically synonyms. But life expectancy? Is living a long time part of being happy? I don't see the connection. A long unhappy life is just that: long, and unhappy. And environmental footprint? How ironic! Here in the developed world, people derive their satisfaction from the incredible availability of goods and services, a great many of which are not exactly kind to the environment. So the folks at NEF claim that to do without those 21st century comforts and live in a more natural, traditional lifestyle is happier. Whatever. I'm sure it makes Mother Earth happier, but not necessarily the humans, who have always craved an easier and more comfortable existence. Sure, we like to idealize about Walden Pond and all, but at the end of my backpacking trips I like to come back to my modern home.

Ultimately the proof is in the overwhelming desire of these so called "happy" nations to flock to the "unhappy" ones. Gimme a break. As many have adequately pointed out, people don't risk their lives trying to reach an unhappier place.

That being said, I have always marvelled at the latinos' ability to smile at the face of hardship, and exude a genuine sense of happiness where most (spoiled) gringos would be horrified. Not sure how to measure that quality, but it is real, and one of the reasons I am so drawn to the culture.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 26, 2006, 08:09:

I'd say the French lady has made a very accurate asessment on the Colombian happiness issue. Thank you webmanco, for that fine article.

I'd add, furthermore, that even if Colombians may express a sense of happiness and joy about their lives they are just as quick to point out the problems, irritations and disappointments on their lives. Just read the comments people send to newspaper articles (El Tiempo, El Pais are the ones I read) and you'd be surprised to hear them from the mouths of a happy people.

What is happiness, anyway?
It certainly is not longevity, as another poster has already mentioned. Environmental footprint? How would that qualify Colombia in the top five?

Happiness, like beauty is a matter of perception. Ask a hundred people and you get a hundred different answers.

Cheers,
Desi

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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moondance says on Jul 26, 2006, 10:37:

david in Idaho you are a smart guy..can see that
have you ever been to cuba?...people basically repressed for 50 yrs. but miles of smiles......the dancing, the music, the love
economic hardships ..big time....but they go on and I would surmise that on average there is more happy people there than in 90% of the top 17 industrialized nations...Why?
A U.N. study of several years ago studied 70 odd countries to find out what was important to the individual......results based on:
1)wealth
2)career
3)free expression
4)family
5)traditions passed on....and so on
point being.......Cuba ranked in the top ten in terms of satisfaction and hapiness...wow what a chill....WHY?
top 3 responses...la familia, la familia, la familia
AND...don't remember but 4 other latin countries figured in this survey of top 10
brings us why we are on this Colombia website......most of us have be married before to an american, european, canadian.....and we are on our 2nd or 3rd marriage.......
conclusion from my point of view: the latin woman is what God intended....intended to find our little piece of hapiness

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David in Idaho says on Jul 26, 2006, 11:14:

I found my little piece of happiness ... in Barranquilla. We just set our wedding date a couple hours ago! December 9th, in Barranquilla ... and I'm super exited!!! When we finally get her visa, we're going to live in Idaho and spend one month a year in BAQ.

Moondance, thanks for saying you think I'm smart. I do enjoy a good discussion of interesting ideas, and for that I appreciate your input a lot.

I have never been to Cuba, but would love to. You know my silly government doesn't allow me to go, but I know several gringos who have gone through Mexico or elsewhere. And they tell me the same thing: the people seem very happy! Obviously this is a very complex issue, because although I totally agree with your analysis of happiness and family, this still does not reconcile the fact that so many people go to such desperate means to get out. What a paradox!

In the case of Cuba, where people actually risk miles of shark infested water for a shot a better opportunity in Florida, I don't even think emigration is the word. The are refugees escaping tyrany.

In many cases, I suppose the connection to family is so strong that someone would be willing to risk defecting just so they could provide more for their loved ones. Maybe their happiness lies in their ability to provide, and not merely the frills of the first world. I know quite a few latinos here in the States that work very hard, but send almost everything they make back home. I see this as a selfless act of family devotion, practially nonexistent in my culture. Those people aren't here because this place makes them happier; they'd be happier if they were with their wives and kids. But the fact that their US dollars means that their families eat well is more important.

My fiancé works six days a week, ten hours a day to support her mom and siblings. In my 36 years I've never met a gringa who takes her family that seriously. (One of the many reasons I'm in love with her!)

Yes moondance, latinas are my idea of happiness - one Currambera in particular.

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Boatygringo says on Jul 26, 2006, 14:37:

Happies Countries Are they realy happy or do they just not know any better Boatygringo

Boatygringo

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 27, 2006, 21:56:

OOPS!!! There's a new happy study out given by the University of Leicester and Colombia has suddenly become a much unhappier place. There's a nice interactive map on this site too...
http://www.le.ac.uk/pc/aw57/world/sample.html

Cheers,
Desi

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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platano says on Jul 27, 2006, 23:06:

Happiness runs in a circular motion, happiness is... In twelve years travelling all over Colombia, living in Medellin and Cali and visiting with people (urban and rural) of all different socioeconomic strata I would say that (compared to the other 17 countries I have visited).... Colombians are the happiest in ALL economic levels.

In "tugurios" or poor rural "chozas" or wherever ... with a bag of chips and 2-liter bottles of soda we would dance all night (cumbia, vallenato, guasca, salsa, chuco chuco, paso doble, waltz, tango, it didn't matter. We danced to freaking Bach and Mozart!) In Cali we would pile into somebody's broken down Renault 4, cross the bridge at 3:00 a.m., and continue to dance in Juanchito until 6:00 a.m. (only salsa and timba of course)

The scientific studies are only icing on the cake, confirming what I already know.

Además, pues, siendo colombiano de corazón... I am completely happy!

plátano

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moondance says on Jul 28, 2006, 01:21:

barranquilla.....heaven/hapiness exists I too am involved with a woman from barranquilla, and the few times I,ve been there, have observed a woman who also works 6 days a week so that her family can be properly clothed and fed......and she does it with a smile on her face....
Her family is her reason for getting up every morning and taking that 45 minute bus ride to work....she is an amazing individual.
In June, the embassy in Bogota denied her a visa to the States (although she was to be in Miami just for 1 day to transit to the Bahamas)...what is one to do?
Instead, we will travel to Panama end of August, then to Habana and ultimately to the Bahamas. We could get married in Barranquilla and then reapply for a visa....but it just means more waiting. We decided to get married here in the Bahamas where I have have found a lovely place by the beach.....I cannot wait

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 28, 2006, 01:24:

Sorry but I'm not one of you singing the praises of simple, uncomplicated, happy go lucky Colombian life. Not even with you, plátano. Yes, there's joy of living in Colombia, lower expectations, slower pace, warmth and magic there but also lots of unhappy, frustrated, irritated and tired people. They have every reason in the world to be that way. I sometimes wonder on what planet you guys live that you either don't see or don't recognize signs of miscontent. Don't do this; don't continue idolizing Colombia the way you do because you are doing a disservice.

Cheers,
Desi


Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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moondance says on Jul 28, 2006, 01:34:

Desi.......point well taken we "don't see signs of miscontent".......I believe we do as we all live in the real world
There's one important economic reality......coming from lands of oportunity, we can afford to travel and come and go as we please...simple point being: We have money and therefore can afford to idolize Colombia.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 28, 2006, 07:53:

I'm not sure if that's the reason for all this nonsense of Colombia being a carefree and merry place to go fulfill your fantasies of how you think the place that deserves your residence ought to be.

I can afford to travel too (every now and then anyway) and my economical reality doesn´t make me arrogant enough to look at a country like Colombia that's struggling hard to overcome a myriad of mismanagement problems, internal strifes, economical issues etc.as my private little playground.

Cheers,
Desi

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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moondance says on Jul 28, 2006, 08:09:

desideria did not mean to offend....I was talking about realities
1)yes us expats find it easier in other countries
2)yes we have the wear-with-all to be able to afford it
3)but many of us have been stung before with an american/canadian/uk wife...might not be important to you but imagine 17 years with a wonderful woman and getting sex 4 times a year, working 75 hours a week, coming home to a filthy house with burger king on the table
4)yes...all men have egos....we feel good being in the presence of a younger beautiful women
5)the culture of latin countries allows us the opportunity whereby it is common that a man be involved with a woman 10-15 years his junior
6)in my case, not looking for a woman that is a housemaid...,as a french canadian....the "gia" mother earth, the woman and that commands respect and demands never ever to let her down...just an equal footing
7)we have not found love in the so-called industrialized world....so recent experience dictates we go where love is not only accessibly...but probably true...that is what I am counting on....no menos no mas

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 28, 2006, 10:01:

You didn't offend me, moondance but I doubt that we are talking about the same thing.

1) In which of the classical two meanings are you an expatriate?
A) A long-time resident in Colombia with no plans to return to live in the States, ever? B) An employee of a multinational company working in Colombia on a contract?

A) You may or may not have it "easier" but you have different priorities now and are happy with your choice.
B) You're making a great deal of money but are, normally, not all that integrated with the local society. You may have it easier to afford a lot of luxuries that the locals don't but your life may not be all that satisfactory, nevertheless.

2) Sorry? I don't know what you mean. Please explain.

3)So, in order to find Colombia a paradise you have to be a disgruntled ex-husband of a gringa/Canadian/European wife? I think you should just speak for yourself. This is not a forum of only unhappy divorced, separated Gringo men.

4) All people have egos. As a foreign woman in Colombia my ego is boosted all the time by the attention I get, even now. I feel all the happier about myself when I get attention from men in my own age group. It feels more real, more sincere.

I'll get to the rest of it later,

Cheers,
Desi

(Oh, just an observation: I wasn't referring to any specific group of people in my previous post. Just all foreigners living/visiting in Colombia and their expectations of how that place should be to make them happy.)

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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moondance says on Jul 28, 2006, 10:49:

one needs to know...desderia you talk about expectations of the foreigner, attitude once there,money one has ......I apologize if I did not make myself clear (english is my second language)
none of what I wrote was with any amount of disrespect.....respect and knowing something about where u visit is paramount
I am not here to apologize, but before you get on your "high horse" , I too have spent time in foreign lands...and what did I do while there?
I adopted 2 families in cuba, for example, whereby I am assiting one's daughter thru' school and another family whereby they now have a t.v., livingroom furniture, and $200 per month for food and necesities..and I paid to have their roof replaced........
do not talk to me about different motives...yes money comes in handy, especially if you can help people with it
p.s. Desideria...I am not close to being rich.....just a working stiff....yes my words from before might have shown bit of bravado (guy talk)......but disrespect of others........never...please get more info in the future before you jump the gun

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 28, 2006, 13:24:

I didn't know I came across as being aggressive; well, I guess it's one of those cultural differences. English is not my native language either and sometimes I've noticed that when I just mean to be assertive or even frank, people misunderstand my tone.

I wasn't making any value judgement about yourself, moondance, as a person. You talked about having been married...not happy...(etc. etc.) with your gringa wife, so I presumed you were one of those little older gentlemen looking for a young bride in Colombia. They are rather homogeneous as a group and speak pretty much that kind of language

(might not be important to you but imagine 17 years with a wonderful woman and getting sex 4 times a year, working 75 hours a week, coming home to a filthy house with burger king on the table
4)yes...all men have egos....we feel good being in the presence of a younger beautiful women
5)the culture of latin countries allows us the opportunity whereby it is common that a man be involved with a woman 10-15 years his junior)

I've just heard that a little too often on these boards.

Anyway, what you have been doing to these Cuban families is very recommendable and meritable.

My problem with this thread is the misconception that many posters have that Colombia is some sort of paradise; with free for all type of society and people that are warm. welcoming and just extremely happy to welcome any gringos there with open arms. Partially it's true: the famous Colombian hospitality coupled with a genuine intrest in people (especially non-Colombian) often gives that kind of first impression. It's not a Paradise, however, or if it is, it's a very troubled paradise.

Cheers,
Desi


Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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ibemeubeu9001 says on Jul 3, 2008, 17:28:

OOPS, my daughter pust the send button, Iam sure that has happen to other's....Sorry
Now back on track, The best country's on this earth, are the family orient country's, considering Iam from California, and never in my life did I see or meet a family that show's love, and alway's that's there for there family, in a million way, that could be felt by the love of Mother, Father, Sister, Brother,,,,and so on---nevertheless, Iam just trying to put the truth where it should be,,,,,,I call it the Spanish Ozzie and Harriett way of life, if your old enough to know what iam saying......smile........Young lady thank you for making this a reality............for people to read and see......Oh ya why don't you put this where american's can read and understand what your saying,,,,,,,,they need to know......Iam Lov'n ya.....ibemeuneu

I just happen to be from Long Beach,CA, and I love visiting South America, My first visit was to Bogota, Ibaque, and Cucuta and not being a spanish speaking person, I had a great time. Would I travel to South America again, You Bet! The people are wonde

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