When Panama overtook Denmark as the “World’s Happiest Country” according to an international survey of 135 countries by Gallup-Healthways many were surprised.
Panama rated the happiest country in the world
The survey, which was in 2013, has been followed by other surveys where Panama ranks high, such as the Gallup-Sharecare Global Well-Being Index (1st out of 145 countries in 2014) and the Happy Planet Index (6th in 2020). In other surveys, such as the World Happiness Report on Cities, Panama ranks lower (41st), but still above cities like Paris, Prague, Madrid and Barcelona.
Plenty of international news outlets have taken a stab at interpreting these results.
Outside Magazine’s article focused on the economy, while The Guardian’s article focused more on strong family bonds that sustain people even through tough times. Forbes took a line of reasoning about equality versus inequality that we can’t follow, but seems to be more about Denmark than Panama.
So since everyone feels free to interpret the results, we figured we’re also entitled to an opinion.
Our theory is simple and grounded in observation: people in Panama don’t tend to dwell on the past. This is a young, forward looking country, without a deep history of strife that scars so many of our neighbors. Panamanians by and large look to find common ground and avoid conflicts where possible. It is a cultural feature that people are proud of. This also may explain the country’s renown safety. Compared to our neighbors, Panama has much less violence and crime. Panama’s wealthiest citizens drive their own cars and live in homes without the security trappings of our neighbors. The CEO of our national airline famously rides coach at the back of the plane.
Does that mean you will be happier in Panama? It depends.
Read our two part article on the Happy Expat for our insights on how you might adapt to Panama.
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