3 Ways the Happiest Countries Live Better Than We Do

The world’s happiest countries have something to teach us.

Finland ranks No. 1 again in the 2026 World Happiness Report.

The United States? No. 23.

But look at No. 4.

Costa Rica.

It’s not one of the world’s richest countries.

But its people rate their lives higher than people in…

Why?

Here are their three treasures for a happier life.

1. The happiest people never forsake family

The 2025 World Happiness Report notes the strong family bonds in Latin American countries.

Family isn’t someone you belong to.

They’re the ones who show up for you in any situation. Think of family like a choir.

What if uncommon success depends less on what you achieve and more on the difficult decisions you make along the way?

A naval officer faced one of those decisions late one night.

Another ship was approaching.

The helmsman told the officer, “Sir, there are lights ahead.”

The officer said, “Radio that ship and tell them to alter their course ten degrees north.”

And so he did. “Alter your course ten degrees north.”

The answer came back. “Your order is respected but disregarded. You alter your course ten degrees south.”